Download NSF-Nugget

Anthony K. Hofer, Jr., (Prof. G. M. Ferrence)
www.ilstu.edu/~gferren
Pyrazole and Triazole Hydridotris Ligands Attaching to Metal Complexes
“I am both happy and thankful to have had the
opportunity to work with the rest of the STEM fellows
this summer and share experiences with them. They are
great group of people, and good friends to keep in touch
with after research is over for the summer” -A. Hofer
At right is shown: A model of the molecule of interest (Ttztbu,me NiCl)
Grinding solids in a mortar and pestle often played a
large role in my research, as I am seen doing so here.
The reaction of triazole compounds with a potassium
borohydride molecule to form a tris ligand makes way for
interesting coordination chemistry when this ligand as a
whole is added onto a metal complex. With a sterically
bulky ligand, like 3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-1,2,4-triazole,
ample shielding around the metal atom in the complex is
provided and thus makes way for a more stable molecule.
In the case of the molecule pictured, the metal atom is
nickel. Without proper steric shielding, this nickel is
more apt to take part in chemical reactions with other
molecules and shorten the lifespan of the entire molecule.