Synthesis of Al(I)-based Frustrated Lewis Pairs and Reactivity in Activation of Small Nitrogen-containing Molecules

• Applicant: Dr. Iris Elser
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2019 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 424328149

The synthesis of novel Al(I) compounds and derived frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) is addressed with the ultimate goal to apply them in small molecule activation. Especially their behaviour towards small nitrogen-containing molecules acting as dinitrogen congeners will be of interest. Here, the aid of sterically demanding Lewis acids to create a synergistic push-pull environment by capturing the respective substrate in between the frustrated Lewis pair, thereby facilitating NN bond scissions and attacks of other small molecules is crucial. Stabilization of the electron deficient Al(I) centers is tackled by the introduction of monoanionic multidentate (bidentate Y∩L and pincer Y∩L2, Y = anionic donor, L = neutral donor) ligands with substantial steric demand to provide kinetic stabilization, whereas electronic stabilization is implemented by strong donor moieties. By careful tuning of the ligand system in terms of steric bulk, as well as donor and acceptor properties, different reactivities of the Al(I) center are expected. Such highly reactive and Lewis basic or ambiphilic compounds are presumed to show unprecedented and fascinating new reactivities.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Canada
• Host: Professor Douglas W. Stephan, Ph.D.