Research

The Manke group is a synthetic inorganic chemistry lab that focuses on the synthesis of transition metal complexes through air-free techniques, and the synthesis of networks solids for applications including catalysis, small molecule activation, and sensing. 

Catalysis and Small Molecule Activation: New tren ligands

The tris(amido)amine (or tren) ligand set has been well established in the field of organometallic chemistry over the past 25 years. Though it has a significant history, the vast majority of work on this ligand has focused on tris(silyl)tren ligands. Our lab has developed a modular synthesis of tren ligands that allows us to produce tris(aryl)tren ligands and trens with varied substitution, all starting from inexpensive starting materials. We are exploring these new ligands for applications in catalysis and small molecule activation. 

Covalent Metal-Organic Networks (CMONs)

A relatively unexplored subset of MOFs are covalent metal-organic networks, which possess significantly stronger metal-linker interactions than the ionic bonds present in conventional MOFs. These networks can possess greater thermal stability, and could also have extended electronic structures allowing for many applications. Our lab has developed a synthetic approach to generate CMONs through a controlled linker deprotection, allowing for the production of crystalline materials.

Werner Complexes: Historical Structural Chemistry

Our lab has started to explore the structural chemistry of classic Werner complexes, reporting the crystal structures for complexes that were, in some instances, first reported more than 120 years ago. Series of these compounds have interesting stories, are great examples of inorganic theory, and have real pedagogical value. 

Representative Publication:

Roy, M.; Pham, D. N. K.; Kreider-Mueller, A.; Golen, J. A.; Manke, D. R. "First-row transition metal-pyridine (py)-sulfate [(py)_xM](SO₄) complexes (M = Ni, Cu, and Zn): crystal field theory in action" Acta Cryst. 2018, C74, 263-268.