Tripyrrole

Direct methane activation into chemicals and fuels can be compared to converting lead into gold, as methane is an inert molecule with few methods of selective transformation. Methane is a ubiquitous byproduct with the potential to create more efficient chemical syntheses and replace the current petrochemical feedstocks through less expensive and more readily-available alkanes . C-H bond activation frequently occurs at transition-metal centers , often with high selectivity and trivial conditions. Our research group specializes in organometallic chemistry, most notably transition metal and actinide coordination complexes. Moreover, my graduate student mentor, Nicholas Klann, and I have begun developing a tripyrrole nickel coordination complex …show more content…
My plan includes functional group conversions of a benzyl ester Knorr pyrrole using various organic reactions (Figure 3), while using mass spectroscopy (MS), thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HNMR) to track the development of DHP. After the coupling of DHP into the tripyrrole, I plan on using various starting materials to adjust the functional groups to find the most suitable variant of tripyrrole by using NMR, TLC and MS to detect potential collapses in the molecule. Although we have a theoretical pathway of forming the tripyrrole, complications can arise because of intramolecular interactions causing an unforeseen reduction or ring collapse; therefore, we have alternative syntheses planned if a problem arises, allowing me to adjust my initial strategies to conform to any …show more content…
As the year goes on, I plan on finding more efficient and high-yielding syntheses of the tripyrrole, allowing more industrial use and conforming to greener chemistry methods. Eventually, we will have created an efficient synthesis capable of C-H bond activation in methane that could be engineered to help supplement the current petrochemical