Interaction of Copper(I) and Nickel(II) Phosphine Complexes with The Hexaborate Anion

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Copper(I)triphenylphosphine has exhibited various modes of bonding to boron hydrides and their anions. Of interest to this study is the copper(I) derivative chemistry of the colso-hexaborate anion (B6H62), and the electronic and steric effects on the stability of this class of compounds. A general synthetic route has been developed for the synthesis of a series of copper(I)phosphine-hexaborate derivatives, which have been isolated and characterized by spectroscopic means. The preparation of these compounds and the determination of their structures will be presented. Comparison between experimental results and those expected based on electron-density calculations will be discussed.

Information about the Student Author

Class of 2003, Major: Chemistry

Summary of Research Experience

The opportunity to do chemistry research here at Pace University with Dr. Kabbani has contributed to an assortment of learning experiences. I was given the ability to further learn and understand laboratory techniques that only few undergraduate students receive. For this I am very grateful and feel I owe much for this honor. Some of the new and advanced techniques I was able to grasp during my research are: using the I.R. (infrared spectroscopy) and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy to analyze my samples, the process of purifying and recrystallization of compounds, and performing reactions in an air free environment using nitrogen and Schlenck ware techniques. An added benefit of this reseach is that it took me outside of the Chemistry Lab and gave me a chance to meet with chemists from across the nation. I participated in the American Chemical Society Undergraduate Symposium at Hofstra University on May 4, 2002. There, I presented my research and ideas to a group of students and professors. The approval and input were very important. It gave me reassurance in my ideas and myself. I also took part in the 224th National American Chemical Society Symposium in Boston in August 2002, although this time instead of an oral presentation, I made a poster containing information on my work which people read as they roamed the complex. Furthermore, taking part in this research project gave me the opportunity to learn and apply new concepts and techniques which otherwise would not have been possible. The experience and knowledge I gained will help me greatly as I graduate from Pace and go on to graduate studies. I would like to thank my mentor Dr. Kabbani, for her time, support, direction with the project, and her caring nature, as well as the Eugene M. Lang Fellowship and the Summer Research Grant which financed this research.

Faculty Mentor

Raifah Kabbani, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

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