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Faculty Advisor

Kyle A. Grice

Abstract

The synthesis and electrochemical responses of [CpMo(CO)3]2, CpMo(CO)3I, CpMo(CO)3(OTf), and [CpMo(bpy)(CO)2] (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine, OTf = trifluoromethansulfonate) in organic solvent are reported. Transition metal compounds such as Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl have been shown to be effective carbon dioxide reduction catalysts. The molybdenum metal complexes studied herein were examined under argon and carbon dioxide gas for the potential reduction of carbon dioxide. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and an electrochemical method know as cyclic voltammetry were used to gather data on the complexes. Electrochemical response peaks under carbon dioxide were analyzed for the relative efficiency and potentials of the molybdenum catalysts. The addition of the bpy ligand to the molybdenum resulted in an unstable compound in solution. The molybdenum compounds studied were not found to be competent catalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide.

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