Studying divalent ytterbium chemistry as challenging undergraduate research projects

INOR 42

Gregory M. Ferrence, ferrence@ilstu.edu, Kathleen E. Stull, kestul2@ilstu.edu, Kristin V. Geary, kvgeary@ilstu.edu, Samantha M. Robinson, smrobin@ilstu.edu, Anthony K. Hofer, akhofer@ilstu.edu, and Amanda S. Burwell, asburwe@ilstu.edu. Department of Chemistry, Illinois State University, Campus Box 4160, Normal, IL 61790-4160
Stable divalent ytterbium complexes of the general formula (TptBu,Me)Yb(OAr)(thf) n (n = 0,1) may be readily prepared using the sterically demanding hydrotris(3-tert-butyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate (TptBu,Me) ligand. The aryloxide complexes may be formed from a range of precursors including [(TptBu,Me)Yb(µ-H)]2; (TptBu,Me)Yb(CH2SiMe3)(thf), (TptBu,Me)YbN(SiMe3)2, and (TptBu,Me)YbI(thf). Currently we are investigating the reactivity of the (TptBu,Me)Yb(OAr)(thf)n complexes and their precursors towards 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles and 3,5 disubstituted 1,2,4-triazoles. Our investigations have been followed primarily by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. This research provides challenging research experiences for undergraduate researchers (ugrs) while at the same time investigating chemistry at the cutting-edge of lanthanide coordination chemistry. Beginning ugrs learn the relatively forgiving synthesis protocols for pyrazole, triazole, and pyrazolylborate ligands. Intermediate ugrs learn to manipulate air-sensitive lanthanide complexes as they prepare the known divalent lanthanide precursors. Advanced ugrs learn to successfully prepare and study new, previously unknown, complexes.
 

General Inorganic Chemistry
9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 219, Oral

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008