Our research program entails synthetic and mechanistic organometallic chemistry, and is focused on the design of novel complexes capable of mediating unusual reactions. The Mindiola group addresses three main topics: (a) Synthesis, reactivity, and mechanistic studies addressing unprecedented transformations. (b) We are interested in new catalytic transformations and the understanding of the electronic structure of radical containing molecules. Specifically, our research group is interested in metallaradicals, especially systems possessing reactive/unsaturated, and electron-rich metal fragments. (c) We are also heavily involved in finding mild methods to convert natural gas into more value-added materials, while exploring the roles on metals in the selectively activation of C-H bonds in volatile hydrocarbons ranging from C1-C8. This topic also expands to other resources such as elemental nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and phosphorus.

Students in my group engage in synthetic organometallic chemistry, and develop familiarity with multiple techniques such as multinuclear NMR, MAS NMR, EPR and HFEPR , magnetism, X-ray crystallography, XAS, FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-vis, Cyclic Voltammetry, and theoretical methods. Most of our work spans the 3d transition metal elements as well as some of the heavy congeners for group 4-6 metals (we also work with mid row 3d metals such as Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni). We have also collaborative projects on naturally and depleted uranium complexes with the Meyer group at FAU (Erlangen, Germany).  Compounds synthesized and studied during the course of these objectives are intended to challenge current archetypes of structure, bonding, and reaction chemistries. In certain cases, we have explored our systems with the aid of high level DFT methods. The Mindiola group is the only research group in the world to offer state-of-the-art facilities where nitrogen, from the air, is directly purified and used as an inert atmosphere. We do not use boilers or high pressure nitrogen dewars!  With the support from the University of Pennsylvania and Peak Scientific, our labs house a highly efficient gas separation system to allow our research group to use (as a reagent or as an inert atmosphere) ultra pure nitrogen collected directly from air.  The nitrogen supplies 5 gloveboxes (3 doubles and 2 singles) year round with optimal pressures.  Shown below are just a few snapshots of our compressor units, drying system, buffer tanks, and separation systems. 

    Separation unit and buffer tanks                         Air tank, compressors and water separation unit                              Compressors with buffer tanks




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