University of Sussex
A Ph.D. studentship (3.5 years) is out there below the supervision of Dr Ian Crossley, Division of Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, beginning September 2024.
Deadline: April thirtieth 2024
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Heteroborolediides: A New Class of Donor-Acceptor Ligand
Cyclopentadienyl ligands and their derivatives are ubiquitous to fashionable organometallic and coordination chemistry, their ease of derivatisation providing a facile technique of controlling steric and digital profiles, thus rendering them key instruments for moderating metallic reactivity. Presently topical on this respect are ‘hetero-Cp’ ligands, based mostly on substitute of a number of ‘CH’ items with a heteroatom; these are isoelectronic with Cp- , however exhibit distinctive donor/acceptor properties. Outstanding examples embody phospholides ([Pn C5-n H5-n ]- ), which present enhanced p-acceptance relative to Cp- and are suited to stabilising metals in low-oxidation states. Considerably much less studied are borolediides ([BC4 R4 ]2- ), which mix enhanced s-donor and p-acceptor character relative to Cp- , but in addition characterize an considerable artificial problem. Heteroborolediides characterize a sexy, however completely unexplored, extension to this discipline, each when it comes to reaching nuanced management of ligand character, and the potential for hetero-atom stabilisation enabling extra facile synthesis.
This venture, funded by the Leverhulme Belief, will construct on our latest report of the primary diphosphaborolediide, [C6 H4 P2 BPh]2- (12- ;Chem. Eur. J.2021, 27, 16342) to develop this new class of ligand. Preliminary targets will embody creating the coordination chemistry of 12- and its complexes, and establishing the generality of the artificial strategy for permitting variation of ligand substituents. Subsequently, modified artificial routes will probably be developed to allow wider variations of those substituents, together with the supporting fragrant scaffold and finally the character of the heteroatoms.
The venture will contain substantial anaerobic synthesis, with in depth ‘hands-on’ use of superior multinuclear NMR spectroscopic methods as a main technique of compound characterisation and response monitoring, augmented by use of Sussex’s state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction facility. There will even be the chance, aligned with venture want and curiosity, to be taught and use electrochemical (CV, spectro-electrochemistry) and DFT methods.
Methods to apply:
Please submit a proper software utilizing our on-line system at www.sussex.ac.uk/research/phd/apply attaching a CV, diploma transcripts and certificates, assertion of curiosity and two tutorial references.
On the appliance system choose Programme of Examine – PhD Chemistry. Please make sure you state the venture title below funding and embody the proposed supervisor’s title the place required.
This place, funded by the Leverhulme Belief, covers Residence tuition charges and a stipend at commonplace UKRI charges.
Perfect candidates could have a powerful curiosity in artificial inorganic / organometallic chemistry and/or ligand design. Eligible candidates will maintain or be about to acquire a minimal 2:1 honours diploma (or equal) in chemistry. Candidates for whom English will not be their first language would require an IELTS rating of 6.5 general, with not lower than 6.0 in any part.
Purposes are significantly welcomed from candidates with protected traits – e.g., from Black and different ethnic minorities who’re under-represented in postgraduate analysis at our establishment.
For enquiries in regards to the software course of, contact Emma Chorley: [email protected]
For enquiries in regards to the venture, contact supervisor: [email protected] , attaching a duplicate of your CV.
For extra info on the Crossley Lab see: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/crossleylab
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