Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Professor Yuyang Dong at Colorado State University received a $737,138 CAREER (Faculty Early Career Development) award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry (CFDA 47.049, Mathematical and Physical Sciences program) effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The project focuses on developing square-planar base-metal catalytic complexes to establish electronic structure-reactivity relationships that could reduce reliance on expensive precious metals in catalytic processes. The primary research deliverable involves isolating and characterizing highly reactive open-shell metal intermediates using weak-field pincer ligands—including metal-ligand multiply bonded complexes, metal-boryl compounds, and metal-alkyl intermediates—and correlating their electronic properties with stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity to define core design principles for next-generation catalysts.

The award integrates significant educational and outreach components alongside the core research deliverables. The project provides high-level training for scientists across multiple career stages and delivers integrated educational activities including engagement with local high school students, expansion of advanced inorganic chemistry education through community college partnerships, and development of research-inspired learning modules for broader public access. These educational products and activities support workforce development in synthetic chemistry and catalysis while advancing potential applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, agrochemical production, and novel materials development.