Molecular Al(III) Complexes Mediate the Redox Chemistry and Catalysis of CO2 conversion

This seminar will discuss proton and electron transfer reactions mediated by the ligands in complexes of iminopyridine paired with aluminum(III). The synthesis and characterization of the molecules will be discussed along with their reactivity toward small molecules. I will demonstrate that ligand-based events in iminopyridine complexes mediate hydride transfer to substrates in processes such as electrocatalytic reduction of protons. I will also discuss the metal-ligand cooperative behavior observed in Al complexes which enables catalytic  dehydrogenation of substrates such as HCOOH. Mechanistic investigations for each of these processes will be presented.