In our laboratory, we focus on designing organic and organometallic compounds with applications in organic synthesis, catalysis, and materials science. As part of this work, we develop various synthetic strategies to stabilize highly reactive organic intermediates using iron-based organometallic complexes. Our goal is to study their reactivity for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds with potential optoelectronic applications. Furthermore, we are engaged in synthesizing organometallic and coordination complexes of copper, palladium, and ruthenium, that exhibit catalytic properties. These complexes are aimed at synthesizing high-value-added molecules, in combination with energy sources such as infrared irradiation or photocatalytic activation under different light sources. Additionally, we are interested in designing new organic and organometallic precursors for the formation of molecular materials with optoelectronic and/or fluorescent properties, which are used as chemosensors for the selective detection of trace metals and potentially hazardous substances.
Laboratory infrastructure
Our laboratory is equipped to handle air- and moisture-sensitive organometallic complexes using Schlenk techniques and is appropriately set up for working with gases such as Ar, CO, and H₂. We also carry out compound purification through various chromatographic techniques and have a preparative chromatography system, allowing us to obtain pure compounds on a multi-gram scale. For studies on reactivity and catalytic applications, we have stainless steel reactors that enable reactions under controlled pressure and temperature, as well as glass reactors equipped with LED and infrared lamps. Our students have access to a variety of spectroscopic techniques to characterize the compounds and materials obtained in our laboratory.
Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 FT-IR Spectrophotometer with ATR accessory
Varian Cary100 Fast Scan dual-beam UV-Visible Spectrophotometer with optic fiber
Perkin Elmer Thermo Scientific Evolution 220 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer with Peltier system
Perkin Elmer LS 55 Fluorescence Spectrophotometer
Institutionally, we have access to a wide range of spectroscopic techniques through the Analytical Services of the Institute of Chemistry at UNAM. In addition, we benefit from an in-house glass-blowing workshop and advanced metal part manufacturing services.
Projects
Our work is supported by funding from the UNAM-PAPIIT program and CONAHCYT.
