Organometallic Superatom Complexes

Intermetallics (M1/M2) of abundant metals very different properties can substitute rare and precious for industrial catalysis. A challenge in this context is the atom-precise -efficient catalyst design at size regime ≤ 1 nm, where every metal atom counts. Along these lines thought we have been developing a novel way to generate libraries all-hydrocarbon (R*) ligated clusters [M1aM1b](R*)c. These organometallic superatom complexes are molecular counterparts solid state M1/M2 materials. The electronic structure, e.g. open vs. closed ‘superatom shell’, controls stability reactivity. metastable hypothesis that they loaded with interrelated clusters, elusive highly reactive ones as well more accessible but less ones. chemical control parameters relate fundamental reaction networks nucleation, growth degradation, ligand and/or additive association, dissociation, cluster surface metal-atom site activation by deprotection reactions small molecules. article personal account long-time research enterprise on coordination chemistry group12/13 metallo-ligands transition centers, related mixed-metal emergence “living libraries” such clusters.