Dr. Saurabh Chitnis

Abstract

Besides sterics and electronics, geometric tuning represents an attractive means of controlling reactivity in the main group. This thesis will be advanced by referring to examples from our lab spanning the molecular and macromolecular length scales. Specifically, we have shown that strategic use of multidentate amido ligands reveals planar Lewis acidity of bismuth and antimony complexes, catalytic stereoselective reduction by antimony hydrides, and a new and modular class of main-chain inorganic polymers and materials. These results animate our ongoing studies into the role geometric tuning can play in eliciting functional properties from molecules and materials.