Exploring Chemical Reaction Mechanisms using in situ Infrared Spectroscopy

Christopher Nau*, Brian Popp, Jessica Rogers and Alexis Ravencroft, C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Chemistry (Physical Sciences & Engineering) 

Student’s Major: Chemistry 

The Research Apprentice Program has given me a unique opportunity to participate in an authentic research experience early in my college career. My main goal throughout the year was to operate a Mettler Toledo React IR, allowing for collection of infrared spectra directly from a reaction solution, for my research group and gather experience using it. By inserting the probe into an ongoing reaction, the React IR can accurately measure when the reaction began, when it stopped, the kinetics of a reaction, and (determine mechanism and explain reaction trends). From this data, the rate law of a reaction can be elucidated. During the first semester, I utilized the React IR to study iron complexes, hydromagnesiation, and basic SN2 reactions, and I prepared a collection of complexes to study ligand structures. The ligand structures would help reveal that a previously thought twelve step process of ligand synthesis is more accurately sixteen steps. During the second semester I focused on gathering data on organic reactions and furthering my understanding of the machine, specifically by studying the influence of a catalyst of sulfuric acid on the strengthening of acetic anhydride. I was also learning the basics of kinetics of reactions and rate laws of reactions, along with assisting another undergraduate student with operating the React IR. With this experience, I plan on following future investigations into organometallic carboxylation reactions 

Funding: National Science Foundation (CHE-1752986) 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course