Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This coordination chemistry research program targets the synthesis, properties and applications of metal-containing molecules, focusing on (a) coordination polymers (CP) as advanced materials and (b) unusual metallophthalocyanines (PcM). At the heart of these studies is the need to understand how to control structure, properties and reactivity of metal complexes and CP via the choice of metals and the design of appropriate building blocks and ligands. Thus, the question of how to prepare CPs using building blocks that provide the chemical properties to be displayed by the material, and which subsequently self-assemble into the desired 3-D arrangement are critically important. Similarly, PcM molecules are chemically inert, redox-active, intensely coloured compounds used extensively in industry. However, despite their useful attributes, the synthesis and reactivity of PcM complexes for many metals remains nearly unexplored and their organometallic chemistry is virtually unknown.To address these issues, this research program exploits our established expertise in controlling 3D structure to design CP materials with useful vapochromic, luminescent, birefringent, high-refractive index, thermal expansion, magnetic and other properties. We will target sensors for toxic gases such as NH3, H2S, formaldehyde, SO2 and Cl2, which are important for industrial safety, agriculture, pulp/paper mills, energy producers and ice-rinks. Neutron sensors (critical in the nuclear industry), tunable light-emitting materials, optical components for light refocusing, microscopy and frequency-doubling, and very anisotropic thermal materials will also be designed. Synthetic protocols and structures of PcM complexes with non-traditional early-transition and f-block metals will be elucidated, Pc redox-activity will be explored by isolating ring-reduced/oxidized species and organometallic chemistry will be developed with these ligands, allowing us to eventually utilize these industrially relevant PcM materials for new chemical processes.Overall, this research will generate a fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships, which will lead to the rational design of future materials. Our patented ammonia sensor and patent for highly birefringent optical materials indicates the significance and viability of our research approach. The proposed PcM research merges two disparate fields (Pcs and organometallics), increasing our broad understanding of this important class of molecules. This interdisciplinary research program also imparts top-class HQP training beyond high-level laboratory skills and safety by also infusing oral/written communications training, interactions with industry and other stakeholders, management and international experience into the core of student life so as to mold the highest quality, well-rounded, globally-minded scientists.