Early and late transition metal comlexes incorporating p-Block oxo-anions

Abstract

The research presented in this thesis lies within the general area of supramolecular and coordination chemistry. More specifically, this project involved the synthesis of early and late transition metal complexes incorporating group 14 and 15 oxo-anions, with chelating polypyridyl ligands. The primary aim of the project was to construct complexes whereby paramagnetic metal centres were bridged by oxo-anions such as carbonate (CO3 2), phosphate and pyrophosphate (P04 3-, P2O7 4- respectively), arsenate (AsO4 3-) and hydroxide (OH-). The ability of these anions to mediate electronic exchange in multimetallic systems was studied. A secondary aim of the project was to study the oxoanions with an aim to understanding further there coordinating ability and their capacity to act as part of a donor/acceptor synthon through hydrophilic/hydrophobic interaction and H-bonding. Finally, the ability of water to influence both the structure and function of the complexes was of major interest to us.