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Synthesis of Iron Phosphine Complexes for Small Gas Molecule Binding James Patton, Dr. David R. Tyler and Dr. Joel W. Gohdes Department of Chemistry| Pacific University | 2043 College Way | Forest Grove, OR 97116 | [email protected] Summary of NMR Shifts of TeSt Complexes Abstract: Reaction Pathways Small gas molecule binding complexes have important applications ranging from understanding ammonia formation in the nitrogen cycle to separating N2 impurities from natural gas. A series of trans-octahedral iron(II) complexes were synthesized containing a bis bidentate phosphine derivatized with 4-vinylbenzyl groups, called the TeSt ligand. Beginning with the FeL2Cl2 complex, a series of reactions were mapped out to afford a wide range of trans-axial ligand substitution patterns. The compounds were characterized spectroscopically and two were characterized via x-ray crystallography. The goal being to synthesize FeL2HCl, there are many pathways that can be taken. The figure below represents the various attempts that were made. Compound 31P Hydride 1H DVBPE -13.5 - FeL2Cl2 69.5 - FeL2HCl 87.6 -29.8(q) FeL2H(H2)+ 86.7 -10(br), -14(q) FeL2H(N2)+ 77.6 -17.3 FeL2H(MeCN)+ 83.5 -23.0 Background Approximately 15% of United States natural gas reserves are contaminated with elemental nitrogen. As the natural gas is burned, the triple bonds of the nitrogen absorb some of the energy, lowering the natural gas’s energy density. Traditional methods of removal include cryogenic distillation and membrane separation. However, due to the similar melting points, size, and H2O solubilities, N2 and CH4 separations can be costly and ineffective. Radius (Å) N2 2.49 CH4 2.58 Boiling Point (K) 77 112 H2O Solubility (x 10-5) 1.3 2.8 FeL2Cl2 Crystal Structure Synthesis via MeCN+ Complex FeL2Cl2 NaBPh4, NaBH4 / MeOH, MeCN 31P 31P{1H} A solution to this problem is to use water soluble small gas molecule binding iron phosphine (FePhos) complexes. The natural gas can be purified using a pressure swing absorption. FeL2HMeCN+ 1H Low pressure FeL2HCl Crystal Structure 10 8 6 3 3 (M absorbent) gas/M 2N Solubility 4 2 Bu4NCl / Acetone FeL2HMeCN+ CH4 solubility FeL2HCl N2 solubility 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 31P{1H} 300 N2 Partial Pressure (psia) High pressure Tyler, D. R.; et. al., Inorg. Chem. 2002, 41, 5453-65. These FePhos compounds, however, decompose when exposed to water or oxygen gas. Thus, all chemistry was performed either in a nitrogen atmosphere glove box or in sealed, pressurized containers. FeL2HCl Crystal Structure TeSt Ligand Synthesis and Characterization Conclusion Synthesis Via H2 and Proton Sponge , 36+ hrs 31P{1H} We were able to synthesize the hydride/chloride iron phosphine complex, but were not yet able to do so with high enough yield or purity to copolymerize the complex with EGDMA and MMA. Future goals for the project include measuring the H2 and N2 binding properties of the already polymerized dichloride complex and the yet to be polymerized hydride/chloride complex, characterize the polymers, and to further characterize other complexes in the reaction scheme such as FeL2HN2+ and FeL2Cl+ 31P 31P{1H} References: • 1H Tyler, D. R.; et. al., Inorg. Chem. 2002, 5453-65. 1H Acknowledgements: •Murdock Charitable Trust PRISM Grant •National Science Foundation •University of Oregon Chemistry Department •Lev Zakharov •Tyler Group