Synthesis

The synthesis of metal-organic frameworks, particularly containing main group elements as the metal node, and organosilicon compounds as the linkers between the nodes is being studied. New extended reach ligands containing siloxane, Si-O-Si, linkages are also being used as linkers. These new framework materials have potential for gas capture and storage, such as carbon dioxide capture and hydrogen storage. They also have potential in catalysis and for selective binding of a variety of molecules.

Our interest in compounds containing Si-O bonds such as silanols and siloxanes concentrates on the synthesis, characterisation and uses of cubic silsesquioxanes. The use of low molecular weight siloxanes as potential non-polar solvents for a variety of chemical transformations is also being investigated in collaboration with Professor T. Welton.

The use of bulky groups to promote new reaction pathways and novel structural features has led to bridged Si cations being prepared. The fundamentals of organosilicon reaction mechanisms are of continuing interest to the group.

The use of ultrasound in synthetic chemistry (sonochemistry) is also being investigated in order to determine its synthetic utility in a variety of synthetically useful applications

Wann DA, Robinson MS, Bätz K, et al., 2015, Structures of Tetrasilylmethane Derivatives (XMe2Si)2C(SiMe3)2 (X = H, Cl, Br) in the Gas Phase, and their Dynamic Structures in Solution., J Phys Chem A, Vol:119, Pages:786-795 Ab Rani MA, Borduas N, Colquhoun V, et al., 2014, The potential of methylsiloxanes as solvents for synthetic chemistry applications, Green Chemistry, Vol:16, ISSN:1463-9262, Pages:1282-1296 Wann DA, Young S, Baetz K, et al., 2014, Structures of Tetrasilylmethane Derivatives C(SiXMe2)(4) (X = H, F, Cl, Br) in the Gas Phase and their Dynamic Structures in Solution, Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung Section B-a Journal of Chemical Sciences, Vol:69, ISSN:0932-0776, Pages:1321-1332 Timokhin I, White AJP, Lickiss PD, et al., 2014, Microporous metal-organic frameworks built from rigid tetrahedral tetrakis(4-tetrazolylphenyl)silane connectors, Crystengcomm, Vol:16, ISSN:1466-8033, Pages:8094-8097

Timokhin I, Torres JB, White AJP, et al., 2013, Organosilicon linkers in metal organic frameworks: the tetrahedral tetrakis(4-tetrazolylphenyl)silane ligand, Dalton Transactions, Vol:42, ISSN:1477-9226, Pages:13806-13808