Objectives
Research interests of the Cummins group encompass (i) new methods for
inorganic synthesis, (ii) the synthesis, isolation, and characterization
of unusually reactive transition metal and actinide complexes of unique
design and construction, (iii) the activation of ubiquitous small molecules
including dinitrogen, (iv) the assembly of novel functional groups
containing both transition metals and main group elements, and (v)
the development of new reagents for organic synthesis.
Methods
A general theme in the research is the use of novel voluminous ligands
to engender the formation of isolable, low-coordinate metal compounds.
These compounds are manipulated and isolated using standard inert-atmosphere
glove-box or vacuum-line techniques. The compounds typically are obtained
in multigram quantities as colored crystalline solids that dissolve readily
in hydrocarbon solvents, and they typically maintain their integrity when
kept at a temperature less than or equal to ca. 30°C.
A variety of spectoscopic techniques are used to optimize synthetic
conditions, to measure reaction kinetics, and to characterize new compounds.
Foremost
among the techniques are multinuclear NMR and single-crystal X-ray experiments.
Significance
The new molecules synthesized and studied may challenge current paradigms
of molecular structure, bonding, and reactivity. From a practical point
of view, the studies serve to provide definitive examples of new reactions
that may lead to technological advances. The mechanism-based design
of new catalysts for small-molecule transformations ultimately might
incorporate
reactions first revealed in the context of this project.
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