Joseph Maher ’25
Exploring an Electron-Rich Iron Tricarbonyl Complex Containing an α-Diimine Ligand
Joseph Maher ’25, Chemistry major
Faculty mentor: Dr. Maria Carroll, Chemistry and Biochemistry
The combustion of fossil fuels increases atmospheric CO2, making hydrogen a promising cleaner energy alternative. Pt has been able to facilitate this reaction efficiently, however, it is expensive and scarce. Fe has shown promise in facilitating 2-electron transfers when bound to redox-active ligands. Reacting the redox-active CyDABMe with benzylidene acetone iron tricarbonyl (bdaFe(CO)3) forms Fe[CyDABMe](CO)3, with vCO values ~10 cm-1 lower than FeArDABMe(CO)3, indicating increased electron density. The reduction potential of CyDABMe was probed using Zn[CyDABMe]Cl2, showing a reduction at 200 mV more negative than Zn[ArDABMe]Cl2. X-ray diffraction revealed shortened C-C and lengthened C-N bonds upon Fe(CO)3 addition.
Poster Presentation: Wednesday, April 23, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
