Template effect and ligand substitution methods for the synthesis of iron catalysts: A two-part experiment for inorganic chemistry

Abstract

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation is an important transformation for the production of fine chemicals. Traditionally, platinum group metals are used to catalyze this reaction, but recent pressure for greener practices has driven the development of base-metal catalysts. Due to the growing interest in this area of research, the underlying concepts for this type of chemistry are suitable for an undergraduate laboratory. A two-part experiment was adapted from original research and tested for use in an upper-division undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory. The first part of the experiment explores the template synthesis of a trans-bis-acetonitrile iron complex with a tetradentate ligand. The product from the first laboratory period is used as the starting material in the second laboratory period that focuses on the synthesis of a green catalyst mimic. Students learn about multi-step synthesis, specifically the synthesis of a catalyst for green chemistry, and key inorganic chemistry concepts to help reinforce topics introduced during lectures.