Towards the Synthesis of Mn(II) Complexes with Carbene Ligands

Abstract

vii, 16 p.Catalysis allows access to chemical reactions that are slow or challenging, saving both time and energy. Photoredox catalysis uses a transition metal complex that absorbs visible light, accessing an excited state that can transfer electrons to an organic substrate to start a reaction. Photoactive complexes of ruthenium (II) and iridium (III) are commonly used as photocatalysts due to their high efficiency. However, Ru and Ir are scarce, expensive, and toxic. Abundant firstrow transition metals, such as manganese, serve as cheap, nontoxic alternatives to these metals. This project focuses on making Mn(II) complexes with tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. The target complex is [Mn(BbimMe)2]2+, where BbimMe is 2,6-bis(3-methylbenzimidazole- 2-ylidene)pyridine. In this paper, we report the synthesis of the ligand and work towards its optimization, as well as progress towards the synthesis of the corresponding Mn(II) complex