Connie C. Lu

Bio: Connie C. Lu is an academic researcher from University of Minnesota. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Ligand. The author has an hindex of 34, co-authored 81 publications receiving 3109 citations. Previous affiliations of Connie C. Lu include Max Planck Society & Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Neutral bis(alpha-iminopyridine)metal complexes of the first-row transition ions (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and their monocationic analogues: mixed valency involving a redox noninnocent ligand system.

Abstract: A series of bis(alpha-iminopyridine)metal complexes featuring the first-row transition ions (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn) is presented. It is shown that these ligands are redox noninnocent and their paramagnetic pi radical monoanionic forms can exist in coordination complexes. Based on spectroscopic and structural characterizations, the neutral complexes are best described as possessing a divalent metal center and two monoanionic pi radicals of the alpha-iminopyridine. The neutral M(L*)2 compounds undergo ligand-centered, one-electron oxidations generating a second series, [(L(x))2M(THF)][B(ArF)4] [where L(x) represents either the neutral alpha-iminopyridine (L)0 and/or its reduced pi radical anion (L*)-]. The cationic series comprise mostly mixed-valent complexes, wherein the two ligands have formally different redox states, (L)0 and (L*)-, and the two ligands may be electronically linked by the bridging metal atom. Experimentally, the cationic Fe and Co complexes exhibit Robin-Day Class III behavior (fully delocalized), whereas the cationic Zn, Cr, and Mn complexes belong to Class I (localized) as shown by X-ray crystallography and UV-vis spectroscopy. The delocalization versus localization of the ligand radical is determined only by the nature of the metal linker. The cationic nickel complex is exceptional in this series in that it does not exhibit any ligand mixed valency. Instead, its electronic structure is consistent with two neutral ligands (L)0 and a monovalent metal center or [(L)2Ni(THF)][B(ArF)4]. Finally, an unusual spin equilibrium for Fe(II), between high spin and intermediate spin (S(Fe) = 2 S(Fe) = 1), is described for the complex [(L*)(L)Fe(THF)][B(ArF)4], which consequently is characterized by the overall spin equilibrium (S(tot) = 3/2 S(tot) = 1/2). The two different spin states for Fe(II) have been characterized using variable temperature X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, zero-field and applied-field Mossbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complementary DFT studies of all the complexes have been performed, and the calculations support the proposed electronic structures.

Tuning Nickel with Lewis Acidic Group 13 Metalloligands for Catalytic Olefin Hydrogenation.

Abstract: A series of bimetallic complexes pairing zero-valent nickel with group 13 M(III) ions is reported. Stronger Ni→M(III) dative bonds that render Ni more electron-deficient are seen for larger ions (In > Ga > Al). The larger Ga and In ions stabilize rare, nonclassical Ni–H2 adducts that catalyze olefin hydrogenation. In contrast, neither the Ni–Al complex nor a single nickel center enables H2 binding or olefin hydrogenation. By comparison of the structures, redox properties, and catalytic activities of the Ni–M series, the electronic and steric effects of the supporting metal ion are elucidated.

Metal-alane adducts with zero-valent nickel, cobalt, and iron.

Abstract: Coordination complexes that pair a zero-valent transition metal (Ni, Co, Fe) and an aluminum(III) center have been prepared. They add to the few examples of structurally characterized metal alanes and are the first reported metallalumatranes. To understand the M-Al interaction and gauge the effect of varying the late metal, the complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, UV-Vis-NIR and NMR spectroscopies, and theoretical calculations. The M-Al bond strength decreases with varying M in the order Ni > Co > Fe.

On the feasibility of N2 fixation via a single-site FeI/FeIV cycle: Spectroscopic studies of FeI(N2)FeI, FeIV N, and related species

Abstract: The electronic properties of an unusually redox-rich iron system, [PhBPR 3]FeNx (where [PhBPR 3] is [PhB(CH2PR2)3]−), are explored by Mossbauer, EPR, magnetization, and density-functional methods to gain a detailed picture regarding their oxidation states and electronic structures. The complexes of primary interest in this article are the two terminal iron(IV) nitride species, [PhBPiPr 3]FeN (3a) and [PhBPCH2Cy 3]FeN (3b), and the formally diiron(I) bridged-Fe(μ-N2)Fe species, {[PhBPiPr 3]Fe}2(μ-N2) (4). Complex 4 is chemically related to 3a via a spontaneous nitride coupling reaction. The diamagnetic iron(IV) nitrides 3a and 3b exhibit unique electronic environments that are reflected in their unusual Mossbauer parameters, including quadrupole-splitting values of 6.01(1) mm/s and isomer shift values of −0.34(1) mm/s. The data for 4 suggest that this complex can be described by a weak ferromagnetic interaction (J/D < 1) between two iron(I) centers. For comparison, four other relevant complexes also are characterized: a diamagnetic iron(IV) trihydride [PhBPiPr 3]Fe(H)3(PMe3) (5), an S = 3/2 iron(I) phosphine adduct [PhBPiPr 3]FePMe3 (6), and the S = 2 iron(II) precursors to 3a, [PhBPiPr 3]FeCl and [PhBPiPr 3]Fe-2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-aza bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene (dbabh). The electronic properties of these respective complexes also have been explored by density-functional methods to help corroborate our spectral assignments and to probe their electronic structures further.

Catalytic Silylation of Dinitrogen with a Dicobalt Complex

Abstract: A dicobalt complex catalyzes N2 silylation with Me3SiCl and KC8 under 1 atm N2 at ambient temperature. Tris(trimethylsilyl)amine is formed with an initial turnover rate of 1 N(TMS)3/min, ultimately reaching a turnover number of ∼200. The dicobalt species features a metal–metal interaction, which we postulate is important to its function. Although N2 functionalization occurs at a single cobalt site, the second cobalt center modifies the electronics at the active site. Density functional calculations reveal that the Co–Co interaction evolves during the catalytic cycle: weakening upon N2 binding, breaking with silylation of the metal-bound N2 and reforming with expulsion of [N2(SiMe3)3]−.

I and i

Abstract: There is, I think, something ethereal about i —the square root of minus one. I remember first hearing about it at school. It seemed an odd beast at that time—an intruder hovering on the edge of reality. Usually familiarity dulls this sense of the bizarre, but in the case of i it was the reverse: over the years the sense of its surreal nature intensified. It seemed that it was impossible to write mathematics that described the real world in …

Ab initio calculation of vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra using density functional force fields

Abstract: : The unpolarized absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the fundamental vibrational transitions of the chiral molecule, 4-methyl-2-oxetanone, are calculated ab initio. Harmonic force fields are obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT), MP2, and SCF methodologies and a 5S4P2D/3S2P (TZ2P) basis set. DFT calculations use the Local Spin Density Approximation (LSDA), BLYP, and Becke3LYP (B3LYP) density functionals. Mid-IR spectra predicted using LSDA, BLYP, and B3LYP force fields are of significantly different quality, the B3LYP force field yielding spectra in clearly superior, and overall excellent, agreement with experiment. The MP2 force field yields spectra in slightly worse agreement with experiment than the B3LYP force field. The SCF force field yields spectra in poor agreement with experiment.The basis set dependence of B3LYP force fields is also explored: the 6-31G* and TZ2P basis sets give very similar results while the 3-21G basis set yields spectra in substantially worse agreements with experiment. jg

Density functional theory for transition metals and transition metal chemistry

Abstract: We introduce density functional theory and review recent progress in its application to transition metal chemistry. Topics covered include local, meta, hybrid, hybrid meta, and range-separated functionals, band theory, software, validation tests, and applications to spin states, magnetic exchange coupling, spectra, structure, reactivity, and catalysis, including molecules, clusters, nanoparticles, surfaces, and solids.

Nanomaterials derived from metal–organic frameworks

Abstract: The thermal transformation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) generates a variety of nanostructured materials, including carbon-based materials, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, metal phosphides and metal carbides. These derivatives of MOFs have characteristics such as high surface areas, permanent porosities and controllable functionalities that enable their good performance in sensing, gas storage, catalysis and energy-related applications. Although progress has been made to tune the morphologies of MOF-derived structures at the nanometre scale, it remains crucial to further our knowledge of the relationship between morphology and performance. In this Review, we summarize the synthetic strategies and optimized methods that enable control over the size, morphology, composition and structure of the derived nanomaterials. In addition, we compare the performance of materials prepared by the MOF-templated strategy and other synthetic methods. Our aim is to reveal the relationship between the morphology and the physico-chemical properties of MOF-derived nanostructures to optimize their performance for applications such as sensing, catalysis, and energy storage and conversion. Nanomaterials derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) show good performance in sensing, gas storage, catalysis and energy-related applications. In this Review, the influence of the morphology of MOF-derived nanostructures on their performance is elucidated, and the opportunities in this field are discussed.

Catalysts for nitrogen reduction to ammonia

Abstract: The production of synthetic ammonia remains dependent on the energy- and capital-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Extensive research in molecular catalysis has demonstrated ammonia production from dinitrogen, albeit at low production rates. Mechanistic understanding of dinitrogen reduction to ammonia continues to be delineated through study of molecular catalyst structure, as well as through understanding the naturally occurring nitrogenase enzyme. The transition to Haber–Bosch alternatives through robust, heterogeneous catalyst surfaces remains an unsolved research challenge. Catalysts for electrochemical reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia are a specific focus of research, due to the potential to compete with the Haber–Bosch process and reduce associated carbon dioxide emissions. However, limited progress has been made to date, as most electrocatalyst surfaces lack specificity towards nitrogen fixation. In this Review, we discuss the progress of the field in developing a mechanistic understanding of nitrogenase-promoted and molecular catalyst-promoted ammonia synthesis and provide a review of the state of the art and scientific needs for heterogeneous electrocatalysts. The artificial synthesis of ammonia remains one of the most important catalytic processes worldwide, over 100 years after its development. In this Review, recent developments in enzymatic, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis towards the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia are discussed, with a particular focus on how mechanistic understanding informs catalyst design.