Molecular Fe-mediated nitrogen fixation catalysis: Improving turnover and mechanistic insights

Abstract

Our lab. at Caltech has been exploring iron complexes for the redn. of nitrogen to ammonia in the presence of sources of electrons and protons at low temp. We have recently discovered several iron catalytsts that mediate this reaction, and are now focused on understanding the mechanism(s) by which these iron catalysts operate. We are particularly interested in establishing whether the distal (or Chatt), alternating, and/or a hyrbid mechanism is at work for these iron catalysts. We have also been exploring a no. of reaction parameters that substantially increase the TON of some of these iron systems. Finally, we have been exploring related potential catalysts that feature late metals other than iron such as cobalt. My talk, which is submitted in honor of the late Professor Gregory L Hillhouse, will provide a snapshot of our progress to date in this area of high energy organometallic chem.