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Overview:
Professor Steward's research interests are directed
in three main areas: the synthesis of coordination
polymers and a study of their structure by x-ray
diffraction, the effect of ligand structure on
coordination geometry, and the use of organosilicon
and organogermanium ligands in the synthesis and
characterization of metal complexes.
Currently, we are investigating
synthetic pathways to coordination polymers of
the first-row transition metals with carboxylato
and acetylacetonato ligands and pyrazine-type
Lewis bases (see structure). Both homonuclear
and heteronuclear polymeric structures are being
explored. Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies
are employed to determine the structures of these
coordination polymers and to investigate the influence
of ligand geometry on the chain structure and
conformation. Magneto-structural correlations
in relation to the polymer chain are of interest.
Metal complexes with ligands
containing organosilicon and organogermanium groups
are being studies to determine the effects of
silicon and germanium on the metal environment
relative to the carbon analogs. Ligand steric
and electronic effects on the structure and properties
of these complexes are under investigation. The
synthetic utility of metal complexes containing
ligands with organosilicon and organogermanium
groups is being probed.
Office Phone:(412) 396-6338
Email: steward@duq.edu |
