Redox Activity and Hydride Reactivity of Group 2 and Group 12 Organometallics

Unlocking novel and applicable chemistry of earth abundant metals such as magnesium and zinc requires ligand scaffolds that enable certain reaction pathways. This thesis examines the effect of extremely low coordination number on the reactivity of zinc hydride bonds, including a study on their catalytic efficacy. Then, the ability of diiminopyridines to imbue alkaline earth metals complexes with redox reactivity is presented. Reactivity studies towards both organic and inorganic molecules demonstrate the complexes act as potent reducing agents, with the relevant redox potentials quantified electrochemically.