Metal complexes with napththalene-diimide and perylene-diimide-based ligands: supramolecular interactions and catalytic implications

This thesis delves into the design and development of new ligand precursors and organometallic complexes through the combination of two different types of rylene-diimides (RDIs), namely naphthalene-diimides (NDI) and perylene-diimides (PDI), with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based ligands. Each building block contributes with properties that, when engaged into our metal complexes, create innovative pathways to develop Switchable, Multifunctional, Adaptable, oR Tunable (SMART) catalysts. The development of these catalytic systems involves the design of viable and accessible synthetic routes, combined with a thorough characterisation of their properties and modulation. The aim of this research is to test them under redox stimuli and study the effects on catalytic activity, efficiency, or selectivity, as well as to use them as tools to elucidate reaction mechanisms.