Speaker: Dr.Gary Guillet, Furman University
Title: "Extended Metal Atom Chains of Fe – {FeFeFe}¹⁸ & {FeFeFe}¹⁹ "

Abstract: Extended metal atom chain complexes (EMAC) are 1-D arrangements of three or more metal atoms that often contain direct metal-metal bonds. EMACs that incorporate first-row transition metals have the possibility of coupling multiple high spin metal centers with direct magnetic exchange, derived from the M-M bonds, which could be a useful strategy in the synthesis of novel magnetic compounds as they can have significant axial magnetic anisotropy. Historically, EMAC’s with 3d metals have been supported by dipyridylamine (dpa) and they are essentially isostructural (M₃dpa₂X₂). They are also typically low spin, a result of the strong ligand field. The Guillet group has pioneered the use of the 2,6-bis(trimethylsilylamino)pyridine (H₂L^Me) as the supporting ligand, which is sterically larger than dpa and dianionic. This ligand supported the first trinuclear EMAC of iron with short Fe-Fe distances which coordinates the metals in a trigonal ligand field (Fe₃L₃) without axial ligation. This complex has a well-isolated magnetic ground state with S = 6. Presented herein are novel advancements in the computational modeling of triiron EMACs, the reduction chemistry of the neutral Fe₃L₃, and the design and synthesis if new ligands families to expand the known examples of triiron EMACs.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series covers a broad range of fields in the Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. In past seminars, scientists from Academia, Government, and Industry have presented their most recent discoveries and contributions in their respective areas. This Seminar Series offers students and faculty the opportunity to interact directly with other leaders in their specializations and to gain a good overview of the entire range of fields in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

This seminar will take place in person.