Abstract

Synthesis and characterization of dithione ligands for metal chelation

O’Kelley, Kathrine E.; Dille, Sara A.; and Basu, Partha

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duquesne University

Coordination complexes of 1,2-dithiolenes are important molecules as they exhibit distinguishing spectroscopic and structural properties. These molecules may be important in developing new materials as well as mimics for certain biological metal centers. This project will involve synthesis of 1,2-dithiolene ligands and their purification. The reaction scheme involves a two step process where an amine is condensed with diethyl oxalate forming a diketone, which then will be sulfurized using Lawesson’s reagent. The target compounds are separated using column chromatography and will be characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The coordination chemistry of this ligand will be explored.