Date of Award
Summer 8-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Ryan, Michael D.
Second Advisor
Donaldson,William A.
Third Advisor
Gardinier, James R.
Abstract
The oxidation/reduction reactions of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins play an important role in medicinal, industrial and biochemical reactions. Metalloporphyrins are particularly useful as potential catalysts for a variety of processes including catalytic oxidations. The unique properties of metalloporphyrins make them good candidates as electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Metalloporphyrins also play some important roles in biological functions.
By incorporating spectroscopic experiments such as UV-visible or infra-red spectroscopy along with electrochemical experiments such as cyclic voltammetry, one is able to determine the structural changes of the molecule when oxidation or reduction reaction is carried out.