Synthesis and Characterization of Dibenzofuran-based Pincer Ligands

Energy waste associated with flaring of methane is a problem worth addressing. By developing a systematic means to control heterolytic activation and functionalization of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, methane could be converted into a more lucrative byproduct. This substantial energy-scale application could benefit Wyoming’s and the nation’s economy to capture and retain methane. Using heterolytic C-H cleavage, selective hydrocarbon functionalization (where the hydrocarbon is chemically converted into more useful products) will be readily tunable. Future work will include complexation and characterization of the activated carbon-hydrogen bond.