Session: Coordination Chemistry: Synthesis and Characterization:

Metal-organic supramolecular chemistry is an emerging area in materials chemistry. The structurally challenging functional supramolecules can be readily constructed from the self-assembly of polydentate organic ligands with transition metal ions. Typically, the ligand backbone of these supramolecular complexes consists of organic linkers to connect polydentate coordination pockets. However, the characteristics of the complexes are dominated by the transition metal ion involved in the complexation. In this project, we aim at synthesizing ferrocene-bridged bis(pyridyltriazole) ligand and its complexation with metal ions preferring tetrahedral and square-planar coordination geometry. For this purpose, we synthesize tetradentate 1,1’-bis(pyridyltriazolylmethyl)ferrocene starting from 1,1’-ferrocene dicarboxylic acid in a three-step reaction sequence. The molecular structure of the ligand exhibits anti-orientation of its two limbs. Complexation of the ligand with Cu⁺, Ag^+, and Zn²⁺ ions in a 1:1 ratio give symmetrical products as observed from ¹H NMR. However, the ligand undergoes decomposition when treated with Cu²⁺ in air. The solution studies of Pd²⁺ complexation revealed the formation of two products. We are currently working on the crystallization of the complexes to explore their coordination. Synthesis, characterization with ¹H NMR, ESI-MS, and single-crystal X-ray analysis of the ligand and complexes will be discussed.

Frank Fronczek

Louisiana State University

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