Computational chemistry of organometallic and inorganic species

Davin, Thomas J. (2009) Computational chemistry of organometallic and inorganic species. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis presents computational investigations of problems related
to redox processes and structural rearrangement in inorganic systems.
Density functional theory has been used to gain insight into the origin
and nature of such reactions. The work presented concerns two main
topics: hydrogenase-like systems containing an Fe2 core and carbonphosphorus
cluster compounds. In chapters II and III, we describe the
impact of reduction, an important phenomenon in the H2 production
catalytic cycle, on a hydrogenase-like model. In collaboration with
Talarmin and co-workers who have conducted careful electrochemical
studies, we have used DFT to identify structures of species observed
in cyclic voltammetry. We have also studied the binding of a proton
to similar systems and, through the calculation of chemical shifts and
coupling constants, confirmed the structures of iron hydrides observed
by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In chapter V we focus on carbon-phosphorus
systems that can exist in 2 or more isomeric forms. We address first
the case of a system of formula C6H4P3 which has the right valence
configuration to exist either as a planar structure or as a 3-dimensional
cluster (nido according to Wade’s rules). We then examine whether
it is possible to control the preferred conformation by the addition of
substituents on the phenyl ring. Finally, we look at the rearrangement
of a planar diphosphene into a cage isomer and try to understand
the mechanism and in particular the role of the protonation in the
conversion from planar to 3-dimensional structure.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: computational chemistry, hydrogenase, hydrogen addition, theoretical studies, phosphorus cluster, calculated NMR parameters, calculated chemical shift, calculated coupling constant, structural rearrangement
• Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Supervisor's Name: McGrady, Professor John E.
• Date of Award: 2009
• Depositing User: Mr Thomas J. Davin
• Unique ID: glathesis:2009-925
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jul 2009
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:28
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/925