Dr. Cathleen Crudden
Title: The power of organometallics: From catalysts to self-assembled monolayers to atomically precise nanoclusters
Abstract:
The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes to modify homogeneous metal catalysts is widespread since the high metal–NHC bond strength renders high oxidative and chemical stability to the resulting metal complexes. The use of NHCs to modify metal surfaces has received considerably less attention. We will describe the modification of planar metallic surfaces with NHCs and illustrate their power vs. typical thiolate-based SAMs. The nature of the surface overlayer is strongly dependent on the nature of the NHC.
Similarly, NHCs are useful new ligands for the stabilization of metal clusters, with the structure of the cluster being strongly influenced by the nature of the NHC. The use of NHC-stabilized clusters in biological studies and in catalysis will be presented.
Keywords: Organometallic, Catalysis, Self-assembled monolayers, NHCs
Host: Prof. Jennifer Schomaker