Synthesis and Isolation of terminal carboxyl and pyridyl metal-organic cages

The objective of this project is to synthesize and isolate new heteroleptic metal-organic cages (MOCs) to function as reaction vessels for a series of different applications. The MOCs will consist of two triarylborane ligands and two triarylamine ligands for a ligand ratio of 1:1. Two separate cages will be explored with one consisting of ligands with carboxyl terminals, and the other with pyridyl terminals. These cages will provide different sizes and geometries based on the ligand to metal ratios and functionality of the varying ligand terminal groups. The MOCs will be used to explore charge-transfer fluorescence with potential in chemical sensing as well as host-guest chemistry with potential for FLP activity. Many systems involving charge-transfer and FLPs have been explored, but none of which have been developed into cage-like structures.

Faculty Supervisor:

Barry Blight

Student:

Partner:

University of Birmingham

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Sustainability and the Environment; Energy and Utilities; Nanotechnology

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: