We are studying compounds in which a single atom of carbon is held between two metal centres LnM=C=MLn. In most cases the M=C=M spine is linear but we have recently isolated the first examples where the carbon is bent and displays nucleophilic character.

We hope that these will give interesting catalytic properties as we will be able to incorporate coordinatively unsaturated metal ions next to a well-defined 3D binding pocket. This will be studied in collaboration with the Colebatch group.

In this project you will combine organic ligand synthesis with organometallic synthesis and reactivity to prepare bimetallic complexes and study their reactivity using a range of analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and X-ray crystallography.

The project will involve training in the use of highly reactive, air-sensitive reagents which require handling under strict anaerobic conditions. X-ray crystallography and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy are the common characterisation techniques that will be used on a daily basis.

The project will involve training in the use of highly reactive, air-sensitive reagents which require handling under strict anaerobic conditions, therefore training in strict air-sensitive chemistry will be given. X-ray crystallography and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy are the common characterization techniques that will be used on a daily basis.

The project will involve training in the use of highly reactive, air-sensitive reagents, which require handling under strict anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, training in X-ray crystallography, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and EPR spectroscopy will be given.