Research Projects

This project aims to stabilize heavier pnictogen(I) cationic species and explore their utility in electron-rich cationic systems. The redox-labile nature of Sb(I) and Bi(I) cations has made it challenging to isolate and stabilize them. The first work package (WP1) focuses on tailoring supporting ligands and reducing agents for stabilizing heavier Pn(I) cations using an orbital-controlled designing strategy. The project will also focus on hosting active lone pairs on the Pn(I) cationic site, comparing it with Group 14 cations or tetrylones within the ligand framework. The second work package (WP2) will involve reactivity studies of electron-rich cationic compounds. The third work package (WP3) will investigate catalytic applications based on WP2. The project aims to establish these cationic species as cationic Lewis bases in frustrated Lewis pair chemistry or electron-donor ligands in transition metal catalysts for organic transformation. These rare cationic species will likely become new resources in organometallic chemistry and catalysis.