Ligand substitution dynamics of solvated iron pentacarbonyl measured by ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Brown University, Providence RI

Investigators

Abstract

In this award, supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Christoph G. Rose-Petruck of Brown University will conduct research studying the dynamics of ligand substitution of iron pentacarbonyl in solution. The dynamics will be primarily studied using ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy based upon tabletop femtosecond x-ray sources. Additional studies will use FTIR spectroscopy and Density Functional theoretical methods to build a complete picture of the bonding in the solvated iron pentacarbonyl and how this changes upon photoexcitation. Ultimate goals of the research include (1) gaining a better understanding of the ligand dynamics in this prototypical saturated, sterically uncrowded metal carbonyl and (2) developing ultrafast x-ray sources for chemical research. The proposed research will have a broader impact in its development of new spectroscopic probes of chemical systems, as well as its training of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers in using these new methods.