First row transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) dominate the vast realm of redox catalysis in nature, biomimicry, and homogeneous catalysis. In biomimicry and homogeneous catalysis, porphyrin (an example of one macrocyclic, or ‘ring-shaped’ compound) derivatives and other “synthetic” macrocyclic ligand systems strongly bind these metal ions and allow the study and replication of the natural enzymatic catalysts, from which many important catalysts have emerged.
The principles of modern coordination chemistry allow us to design ligands (ions or neutral molecules that bond to a central metal atom or ion) that would be strikingly resistant to catalyst decomposition while still having available sites for direct binding of the metal ion to either or both a terminal oxidant and/or substrate. The ligand systems explored during SSP are called cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles (Figure 1) and they result in compounds with many desirable characteristics, such as increased metal complex stability.
The great kinetic stability of the transition metal complexes has great promise in such applications as homogeneous catalysis, where complex stability has historically been a problem. Increased stability in homogenous catalysis has important implications among a variety of applications, including drug design, renewable energy, production of polymers, and production of flavor and fragrance chemicals, to name a few.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of organic and inorganic chemistry along with the de novo synthesis and downstream characterization of organic and inorganic molecules. Each team of three will complete bench experiments to create a novel macrocyclic compound and then each participant will create unique metal complexes of their macrocyclic ligand analog. Groups will be diving into brand-new syntheses, checking whether each step in the multi-step synthesis reaction is successful, and eventually arriving at an untested compound that will have unknown and possibly beneficial properties. By the end of the program, each group will complete and present a professional poster and draft a manuscript that summarizes their efforts.
The project starts with concepts (typically) covered in 200-level Organic I and Organic II college courses and ends with the topics of inorganic and coordination chemistry often only taught in 300- to 400-level courses for chemistry majors. The laboratory work requires attention to detail, safety, and focus, as even a single misstep could affect the final synthesis yield. The classroom and overall project demand an in-depth understanding of the underlying chemical reactions (which will be taught), a critical eye analyzing the characterization spectra, and the ability to work closely with your peers to accomplish a goal. The Synthetic Chemistry program will be an excellent opportunity for participants to learn how trained professionals pivot, optimize, and troubleshoot research problems on the fly.
Topics covered in SSP Synthetic Chemistry will include:
SSP International is a nonprofit offering inspiring science immersion experiences. Founded in 1959, its mission is to provide opportunities to accelerate learning, doing and belonging in science. SSP International’s flagship program is Summer Science Program, a leading education experience for exceptional high school students in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics and more.