"In this project various routes toward novel molecules that can bind two metals in close proximity were investigated. This resulted in establishing reliable protocols that enable making these molecules on multigram scale. Subsequently, the binding of various metal atoms to these molecules was investigated, and it was found that two copper atoms can bind in close proximity to each other. The reactivity and electronic structure of these dicopper complexes was studied in great detail and it was found that both the metals and the ligands can work together to make and break chemical bonds, thereby mimicking a concept that is found in nature. In addition, it was found that these molecules can undergo subtle modifications by treating them with acid or base, and that these changes drastically affect the way the two copper atoms behave. Unfortunately, the dicopper complexes that were made thus far are unreactive towards lignin-derived compounds. Nonetheless, various important protocols, strategies and ideas were obtained during this project, which has laid the foundation for future research projects aimed at the use of bimetallic complexes for sustainable chemical conversions.
The following key results were discovered during the project:
- the establishment of four reliable synthetic routes towards tunable molecules that can bind two metal atoms in close proximity
- The synthesis and characterization of various complexes where two copper atoms are bound in close proximity
- The discovery of unprecedented chemical reactivity enabled by the molecular design of the dicopper complexes
- Valuable insights into which metal atoms can be bound in close proximity in the newly made molecules, and how certain parameters affect the reactivity of the corresponding dicopper complexes.
Dissemination:
The findings of the work performed in this project were very well received by the community working in this specific (and related) fields of research. The findings have been reported in two scientific publications (open access) in high-quality peer reviewed journals: ""Chemistry - A European Journal"" and ""Organometallics"". Moreover, these exciting and other unusual findings were communicated on LinkedIN, Twitter (@BroereDaniel) and www.broerelab.com. The findings of this project were also presented in poster presentations at two international conferences: CHAINS 2019, NL and at the 20th IUPAC International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis, DE. Two oral presentations were also given at the international conferences: CHAINS 2019, NL and the 21st Netherlands' Catalysis and Chemistry Conference Noordwijkerhout, NL. In addition, the work was presented as part of invited lectures at various Dutch universities and at national meetings (The Debye Chemistry day 2019 and NextGenChem 2019). Finally, a a professional short film (www.eye-openers.nl) was recently recorded wherein the research is explained in layman’s terms. The production of the video is currently ongoing."
