Research Projects

The main objective of the proposed project is to synthesize various directly linked π-extended corrole dimers. π-extended metal-ligand platforms interact better with the electrode surface and eventually acts as better electrocatalysts for ORR, CO2, N2 etc. In Corrole dimers judicious choice of the spacer group allows precise control over the spatial arrangement for inter macrocycle interactions and possible electronic communication. Herein, the anti-aromatic cyclooctatetraene (COT) in 1 and napthylene like moiety in 3 would introduce substantial amount of planarity throughout the corrole dimer, restricting vertical and horizontal flexibility. From previous literature it is understandable that unusual redox activity, unprecedented planarity and unique photophysical properties make these ligands immensely important. The resemblance of the absorption of the ligand 1 with Chlorophill a and Chlorophill b, which make it a suitable candidate for use in solar cell research. The intense band at NIR region (720 nm range) is an indicator that the ligand could be used in bioimaging studies. Also, It is proposed to examine some medicinally important organic transformations with earth abundant metallo-corrole dimers. So, in a nutshell, the objective of the project is synthesis of a series of corrole dimers. It is proposed to exploit their unusual photophysical property for water oxidation, O2, N2 and CO2 reduction and using these nonprecious metal corroles for some organic transformations. Anti tumor and anti microbeal activities of these corrole dimers will also be explored.