“Fundamental/Bioinorganic Chemistry of Reactive Sulfur Species”, Prof. Michael Pluth, Chemistry
The Pluth lab uses physical organic chemistry to probe different aspects of small molecule reactive sulfur species. Such species include H2S, persulfides, polysulfides, and mixed S/Se species. This research aims to understand the fundamental reactivity of these enigmatic species and to develop tools for detection and delivery. These approaches can range from environmental to biological applications. The Pluth lab uses a variety of synthetic (organic, inorganic, air-free) and spectroscopic (UV-vis, IR, UV-vis, fluorescence) techniques to prepare, characterize, and test developed scaffolds.
Our REU student will gain hands-on experience in organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry, compound purification, photophysical characterization, and reactivity studies. A representative project could be to prepare organic molecules that release H2S on demand in response to specific stimuli, then measuring the response and application of these donors. Alternatively, students interested in inorganic chemistry could prepare ligand motifs designed to stabilize metal-sulfide species and characterize the complexes using different spectroscopic techniques. In all projects, REU students will gain experience in making molecules and measuring their properties using different spectroscopic methods, ultimately applying the developed constructs to address contemporary problems bioinorganic and environmental chemistry.