List of current and former research group members

2005 Summer Research Group Members (left to right): Chris Aquina ('07), Kerianne Crandall ('06), Rick Herrick, Caroline Maus ('06)

General Overview

Our general research goal is to make and study novel bioorganometallic compounds with unusual properties. We have several projects underway, but the ultimate goal is to create ligands containing a biomolecule that will tightly bind ^99mTc(CO)₃⁺ for use in diagnostic imaging. At right is a new compound we have recently synthesized and characterized by x-ray crystallography.

Students working for me perform syntheses typically in the absence of air and water. The synthetic techniques are similar to those learned in organic chemistry. Compounds are purified by column chromatography (see picture below showing a column chromatography of a palladium complex) and recrystallization. Compounds are analyzed by NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Pure compounds are often sent to an outside lab to check the empirical formula. We collaborate with Prof. Christopher Ziegler at the University of Akron (and a former group member) to get crystal structures. Some can be seen by in the expanded section of our research. For more about our research click here.