Molecular Architecture and Synergy in Organometallic Chemistry

Organolithium compounds were pioneered by Wilhelm Schlenk at the University of Jena in Germany in 1917. Nominated for a Nobel Prize for this and other brilliant work, Schlenk lost out because it was thought “organolithium compounds are too unstable to be of any use”. A century on and organolithium and other organometallic compounds are absolutely indispensable to the world. They are utilised in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, agrochemicals, perfumes, polymers and many other important everyday commodities.
Their reputation of being challenging to handle and even pyrophoric, belies the fact that, at the molecular level, organolithium compounds adopt a bewildering variety of beautiful, eyecatching structures. These structures are not just aesthetically pleasing, they are the engines which drive the chemistry and properties of these useful materials. Our contribution to the development of these structures is discussed, focusing on the different architectures and patterns which emerge.
Chemists are constantly looking at new ways of improving organometallic chemistry. Presently we are developing the concept of “synergic bimetallics”. Reactions impossible with conventional organometallic compounds are now made possible using these synergic bimetallics as the two distinct metals can communicate with each other through the structure. Underpinning this new chemistry is a fascinating world of molecular architecture involving rings of atoms which can capture other molecules in their cores. An example of a sodium-magnesium ring capturing an iron molecule is shown in the portrait below.            
Cover art is becoming increasingly important in chemistry papers to draw attention to new discoveries in thoughtful, creative ways. Examples from our own work will be included in the presentation.

 

Biographie

Robert Emmet Mulvey is Head of Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He earned his Ph.D. in 1984 at Strathclyde and spent two years as post-doctorial researcher at the University of Durham, England. His research interest lies in the field of alkali-metal organometallic chemistry. In 1989 he received the Royal Society of Chemistry Meldola Medal and in 2001 the Royal Society of Chemistry Award and Medal in Main Group Element Chemistry. In 2009 he was awarded the Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Royal Society of Chemistry, and member of the American Chemical Society.