Main group element complexes of group 15 with unusual electronic structures – synthesis, reactivity and reaction mechanism

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stephan Schulz
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 320105072

The reactivity of π-bonded homonuclear dipnictenes [L(X)MPn]2 (M = Al, Ga, In; Pn = As, Sb, Bi) as well as heteronuclear metallapnictenes LM=PnM(X)L and L(X)M=PnR (M = Al, Ga, In; Pn = As, Sb, Bi) of heavy group 15 elements is almost unknown. This research project focuses on [2+n] cycloaddition reactions of both class of compounds. In addition, we will investigate reactions of metallapnictenes, which show polarized M‒Pn double bonds, with selected nucleophiles and electrophiles to reveal the influence of the M–Pn bond polarity on the reactivity and selectivity. We will furthermore synthesize and structurally characterize metal-rich neutral and ionic pnictogen cluster compounds, in particular bismuth clusters. Quantum chemical calculations as well as in situ 1H NMR spectroscopic studies will be systematically performed to get deeper insights into the electronic structure of the compounds as well as to identify possible reaction mechanism.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants