New strategies for C-H activation chemistry at late metal centers

To help elucidate factors that are important to alkane activation, our group is developing new inorganic systems that engage and activate aryl and alkyl C-H bonds. We have recently developed several late metal systems that participate in intra- and intermolecular C-H bond activation chemistry. These systems are supported by auxiliary ligand sets including (phosphino)borates, (amino)borates, and pincer-like amides. This presentation will focus on the synthesis and reaction profile for complexes derived from these ligand families. Moreover, an attempt will be made to experimentally correlate complex reactivity/selectivity with (i) the transition metal used, (ii) the complex's charge, and (iii) the auxiliary donor ligand employed.