Studies of Complexes of Potential Catalytic Uses

Abstract

The importance of studying transition metal organonitrile complexes in order to determine how to achieve the activation of a nitrile is discussed. Two transition metal complex systems were selected based on their proven ability to react with dinitrogen and on the grounds of their potential use in the generation of industrially useful homogeneous catalysts. [Ru (R'NH2)5 (PhCN)] 2+ and CoH(X)(PR3)3, where R' = CH3-, C2H5-, C3H7- and C4H9- ; X = N2, CH3CN and PhCN; R = n-octyl-, n-butyl- and phenyl-. The preparations and characterisation of some new hexakisamine and benzonitrilepentakisamine complexes of ruthenium(II) are reported together with the assignment of the ruthenium nitrogen stretching mode. Also the change in the carbon nitrogen triple bond stretching frequency for the coordinated benzonitrile ligand with the increasing σ donor ability of the amine and with change of counter anion is discussed. The unusual oxidative degradation of the hexakis--methylamineruthenium(II) complex is reported and the products are shown to be a ruthenium cyanide Ru(CN)3, a methylammoniun salt and water. Oxidation of the long chained amine complexes is less simple, since the reaction yields a black tarry intractable material, the infra-red spectrum of which shows the presence of small traces of organonitrile, identified by its characteristic carbon nitrogen triple bond stretching frequency. The kinetics of the reaction between oxygen and the hexakismethylamineruthenium(I1) complex dissolved in water at various ionic concentrations and temperatures is discussed. By following the appearance of a band at 318nm and the rate of oxygen uptake a mechanism for the overall reaction is proposed. Syntheses and characterisation of the cobalt trialkylphosphine complexes with dinitrogen or organonitriles are outlined together with their subsequent reaction with excess triethyl aluminium. This reaction was followed by infra-red and electron spin resonance spectroscopy leading to the assignment of the carbon nitrogen triple bond stretching bands at frequencies lower than any previously observed for mononitrile metal complexes.

Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
Additional Information: Copyright © John B. Watts, 1973. John B. Watts asserts their moral right to be identified as the author of this thesis. This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without appropriate permission or acknowledgement. If you have discovered material in Aston Publications Explorer which is unlawful e.g. breaches copyright, (either yours or that of a third party) or any other law, including but not limited to those relating to patent, trademark, confidentiality, data protection, obscenity, defamation, libel, then please read our Takedown Policy and contact the service immediately
Institution: Aston University
Uncontrolled Keywords: complexes,potential,catalytic uses
Last Modified: 30 Sep 2024 07:21
Date Deposited: 13 Jan 2011 11:58
Completed Date: 1973-09
Authors: Watts, John B.

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