Research Spring 2010 - NJCU :: Chemistry Department

Research Topics

Synthesis of Halogen-Substituted Diazonium Moieties as Electron Transfer Bridging Units
Adrienne Conklin, Irene Ng and Dr. Kenneth Yamaguchi

The overall goal of this project is to synthesize a halogen substituted diazonuim phenol moiety in quantitative yields that will be used in future coupling reactions using Sonogashira and Suzuki methodologies. This bridging unit will serve as an electronic switch in which electron-transfer studies will be done when coupled to varying fluorescing compounds and a quinolinol chelated to a metal.

Synthesis of Functionalized Perylene bis-(dicarboximides)
Luis Rodriguez, Jr. and Dr. Kenneth Yamaguchi

Perylene bis-(dicarboximides) represent an important class of compounds to investigate due to their fluorescent and electrochemical properties. The design of these nanostructures can serve as building blocks to form inorganic complexes that can be used to tune their lumiscent, electrochemical, and photophysical properties.

This research consist of perylene bis(dicarboximide) coupled to various bridging units attached to an 8-quinolinol ligand capable of chelating metal ions. The PET transfer process can be dramatically changed using different bridging units and appended fluorophores. The synthesis of this perylene bis-(dicarboximide) compound is currently under investigation and will be spectroscopically characterized and discussed.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Fluorene-Based Ligands
Lu isa Martinez Troncoso and Dr. Kenneth Yamaguchi

The goal of this research is to synthesize a series of fluorene-based luminescent compounds and determine the effects of lengthening the fluorene groups in the molecule. Recently, fluorene adducts have been used to form materials with interesting luminescent properties. Fluorene has several inherent qualities that make it a perfect candidate for the synthesis of novel light-emitting compounds. Taking advantage of the luminescent properties of fluorene, longer and more complex luminophores can be made that have longer lifespan and more efficient luminescence compared to current OLED luminophores. The synthesis and characterization for a family of fluorene-based ligands will be discussed. It is in the future plan of this project to study the electrochemical and luminescent properties of these fluorene based ligands once chelated to selected metal ions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Bridged Ligand Systems and Their Effect on the Fluorescence Process
Tom Comey, Ann Lezama and Dr. Kenneth Yamaguchi

Ligand-metal systems have been studied thoroughly and documentation exists that detail these systems and the way they influence the fluorescence process. A new type of bridged ligand system containing a chemical on-off switch is being researched and sudied. The thought process behind the switch is being able to activate and deactivate the effect of the system on the fluorescence process. A family of molecules will be studied utilizing different bridges and placement of the proposed switch. These families will be fully characterized and their effects on the fluorescence process will be reported.

Synthesis of a Polyphenyl Cyclopentadiene-Bridging Ligand
Adolfo Pertuz and Dr. Kenneth Yamaguchi

Studies with polyaromatic molecules have received a lot of attention because of their favorable PET process and light-emissive properties. Recently, cyclopentadiene derivative attached to an ethynyl and diethynyl bridging moiety has been synthesized, which will be coupled to a 8-hydroquinoline ligand for metal chelation. The electrochemical and luminscent properties of this new class ligands will be investigated and evaluated for its light-emissive properties.

Academic Year 2008 to 2009 Research Projects and
Schering-Plough/NJCU Summer 2008 Research Scholars