Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

My research program studies how geometric tuning - modification of the shape or geometry of molecules - elicits new and unusual reactivity and properties from main group compounds. Besides this fundamental goal, the applied goal of the program is to facilitate society's transition towards a NetZero-compatible future by developing cleaner manufacturing processes featuring bismuth catalysis, and greener materials based on atmospheric nitrogen rather than fossil fuel-derived carbon. This program spans the molecular and macromolecular length scales and contains both hypothesis-driven and hypothesis-generating projects. Through existing collaborations, the projects offers opportunities for HQP to apply fundamental knowledge to solving practical problems in biomedical engineering and agriculture. As such, it allows a broad range of trainees to find a niche based on their individual research preferences (fundamental vs applied, exploratory vs targeted, etc.). The research proposed in this application falls within two themes and takes our previous work into exciting new directions. Theme 1 builds upon our understanding of how molecular geometry influences reactivity in main group compounds. It involves the development of new rigid, non-conjugated, pincer ligands to impose non-classical geometries at bismuth centres. The resultant geometric Lewis acidity - which is only present in their non-VSEPR planar forms - is anticipated to be very high, despite the absence of electron-withdrawing groups, thus unlocking applications in challenging bond activations and catalysis. Specifically, these will be used as catalysts for polymerizing lactones/lactide into clean, tin-free, bioplastics. Theme 2 builds upon our most recent discoveries about how molecular geometry influences stability in nitrogen-containing compounds. Using geometrically-stabilized nitrogen-rich cages, it is possible to access high nitrogen-content, yet stable, polymers and materials for the first time. Studying how the fundamental properties of these materials can be tuned will provide the knowledge to finally use one- and two- nitrogen atom compounds (methylamine and dimethylhydrazine) as monomers to make materials. Combining these developments with existing routes to convert atmospheric dinitrogen to methylamine and dimethylhydrazine via green industrial routes, we have the opportunity to reveal a blueprint for a materials economy based on nitrogen rather than fossil fuel carbon. The funds requested here will create 5 PhD/MSc and 2 BSc positions for each of the 5 years. Trainees will gain experimental and computational chemistry skills, participate in professional training modules, and receive responsive mentorship catered to their career goals. Thesis-writing alumni from my group have a 100% STEM employment record in Canada. Thus, this program will not only discover new science to advance Canada's NetZero efforts, it will also increase Canada's human scientific capital.