Objective
The purpose of this research is to develop the chemistry of organotellurium compounds with intra-molecular co-ordinate bonding; that is, compounds of which the organic components carry a group which is sterically oriented to form a dative bond to the central tellurium atom. The concept of intra-molecular co-ordination has led to the stabilisation of many fascinating organotellurium compounds and it is intended in this research to capitalise on the concept to synthesise new compounds of practical interest in specific applications.
Metal tellurides (e.g. CdTe, CDxHg(1-x)Te) are important semiconductors and device manufacture often requires thin films of semiconductors to be laid down. This may be achieved via organotellurium precursors (metal-organic chemical vapour deposition). One purpose of the research is to synthesise new intra-molecularly co-ordinated compounds rich in tellurium (polytellurides) and others which are precursors for the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds of tellurium. In both cases it is anticipated that the tellurium will be readily extruded, a condition required of a semiconductor precursor.
In addition, the new compounds will have other possible applications. Thus they may have use as synthons in organic chemistry, and also the heterocyclic compounds may be used as models of organic sulfur in coal and oil derived liquids. The use of organometallic reagents to remove tellurium from the rings will give valuable information for the design of other reagents capable of removing sulfur from corresponding sulfur heterocycles.
The compounds to be synthesised will also be examined for biological therapeutic activity, given recent promising results on tellurium based anti-cancer compounds.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
B4 7ET Birmingham
United Kingdom