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Staff Profiles

Marcus Cole

 

Marcus L. Cole

B.Sc., Ph.D., Cardiff
Senior Lecturer
E-mail: m.cole@unsw.edu.au

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

Born 1976, Graduate of Cardiff University (B.Sc.(Hons I), University Medal, 1998, Ph.D., 2001). Royal Society Postdoctoral Fellow, Monash University (2002). ARC Research Fellow, Monash University, and Risdon Grimwade Lecturer, Trinity College, University of Melbourne (2003-2004). Lecturer, University of Adelaide (2004-2007). Appointed Senior Lecturer UNSW (2007).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Our research focuses on the synthesis, stabilisation and synthetic utility of rare or unknown organometallic and metallohydride species. These compounds are of fundamental and commercial interest, e.g. to demonstrate new bonding modes or as selective reagents in organic synthesis. To this end we have several collaborations with institutions interstate, in Europe and Canada. The following are projects presently under study that illustrate the breadth of our synthetic chemistry:

(i) Mixed halide-hydrides of group 13

We are engaged in a far reaching study of hybrid group 13 mixed halide-hydride species. These rare compounds are of interest for their enhanced air/moisture and thermal stability, and the modified polarity of Al/Ga-H bonds versus trihydride counterparts. The latter is essential for tuning chemo- and regioselectivity in hydrometallation applications. Several classes of supporting ligands are used to further stabilise and spatially influence the resultant hydride reagents, including N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and 1,3-bis(aryl)triazenides.

(ii) The stabilisation of low oxidation state group 3 complexes

We are interested in unearthing and developing new paths to low oxidation state Sc & Y (group 3) compounds (Mn+, n < 3). These targets can be accessed using N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) or redox active 1,4-diazabutadiene support ligands and have activity in reductive C-C coupling reactions such as the Barbier and Reformatzky reactions.

(iii) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-imine organocatalytic umpolung chemistry

Recently we have isolated inorganic and organic compounds that incorporate trapped imine-NHC umpolung intermediates derived from nucleophilic attack of NHCs at imine carbon centres. We are keen to establish the scope and synthetic utility of this reactivity, including possible organocatalytic applications.

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

  • Member, Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Royal Society of Chemistry.
  • South Australian RACI Inorganic Division Representative (2007).
  • Member, South Australian Year 12 Chemistry Examination Setting and Vetting Panels (2006-7).
  • Referee for ACS Journals and Journal of Coordination Chemistry

TRAINING AND OUTPUT

Our research utilises a suite of solution and solid-state molecular structure characterisation methods including multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray structure determination. Students gain broad experience in modern inorganic and organic synthetic techniques, and the handling of pyrophoric and highly air/moisture sensitive target compounds employing state-of-the-art vacuum-inert gas equipment. Students complete their doctorate, which typically includes a research placement in France or the UK, within the 3.5 years with 4-10 refereed research publications and several conference papers.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  • Studies of the reactivity of N-heterocyclic carbenes with halogen and halide sources. M. L. Cole, C. Jones, P. C. Junk, New J. Chem., 2002, 1296.
  • Structural studies of N,N'-di(ortho-fluorophenyl)formamidine group 1 metallation. M. L. Cole, D. J Evans, P C. Junk, M. K. Smith, Chem. Euro. J., 2003, 9, 415.
  • An N,P-disubstituted-2-aminophosphaalkene and lithium and potassium complexes of the deprotonated "phosphaamidinate" anion. R. T. Boeré, M. L. Cole, P. C. Junk, J. D. Masuda, G. Wolmerhauser, Chem. Commun., 2004, 2564.
  • Steric Engineering of C-F Activation with Lanthanoid Formamidinates. M. L. Cole, G. B. Deacon, P. C. Junk, K. Konstas, Chem. Commun., 2005, 1581.
  • The synthesis of a sterically hindered samarium(II) bis(amidinate) and conversion to its homoleptic trivalent congener. M. L. Cole, P. C. Junk, Chem. Commun., 2005, 2695.
  • Synthesis and Characterization of Thermally Robust Amidinato Group 13 Hydride Complexes. M. L. Cole, C. Jones, P. C. Junk, M. Kloth, A. Stasch, Chem. Eur. J., 2005, 11, 4482.
  • Reversible Sm(III)/Sm(II) Redox Chemistry of an Organosamarium(III) Complex. J. Wang, R. I. J. Amos, A. S. P. Frey, M. G. Gardiner, M. L. Cole, P. C. Junk, Organometallics, 2005, 24, 2259.
  • Controlled Decomposition of an Indium Trihydride Adduct: Synthesis and characterisation of the First Mixed Oxidation State Indium Sub-Halide Complex Anion, [In5Br8(quinuclidine)4]-. M. L. Cole, C. Jones, M. Kloth, Inorg. Chem., 2005, 44, 4909.
  • Alkali metal bis(aryl)formamidinates: A study of coordinative versatility. M. L. Cole and P. C. Junk, Chem. Commun., Feature Article, 2007, 1579.
  • Steric modulation of coordination number and reactivity in the synthesis of lanthanoid(III) formamidinates. M. L. Cole, G. B. Deacon, C. M. Forsyth, P. C. Junk and K. Konstas, Chem. Eur. J., 2007, 13, 8082.