Investigating the Synergy Between a Lewis Acidic Secondary Coordination Sphere and Transition Metal Complexes
Abstract
This thesis focuses on how incorporating a Lewis acidic secondary coordination sphere (SCS) into transition metal complexes can alter their reactivity in useful ways. In particular, boron in the SCS will be explored as the primary driving force behind imparting this differential reactivity in conjunction with transition metal compounds. The main feature of boron allowing it to influence reactivity in these complexes is its empty p-orbital and Lewis acidic nature when three-coordinate. There are several ways in which the synergy between a Lewis acidic borane and a transition metal complex are explored throughout this thesis. Chapter 1 introduces important concepts for each research project presented. Chapter 2 focuses on the synthesis of iridium diphosphine compounds with a Lewis acidic SCS, for applications in selective heteroarene borylation. Chapter 3 illustrates how pre-installation of a functional SCS into ligand frameworks can alter the type of complexes formed, as demonstrated by the synthesis of three iridium κ3-P,P,C compounds. Chapter 4 describes how the use of a Lewis acidic boron in the SCS of trisferrocenylborane allows for the creation of a tuneable redox flow battery (RFB) anolyte.