Chemistry Seminar Series: Marissa Clapson

Green Chemistry Approaches to Base Metal Catalyst Design: Leveraging a Lewis Acidic
Secondary Coordination Sphere for Small Molecule Activation

Assistant Professor
University of Prince Edward Island

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
11:00 a.m.

In-person: C2-361

Abstract: 

Chemistry is experiencing a call to action concerning the development and implementation of sustainable chemical processes and transformations.¹ The development of base metal catalysts, in place of their precious metal counterparts, is one method to reduce both cost and toxicity while opening avenues for novel reactivity.² In recent years, pincer complexes have shown remarkable catalytic activity.³ Iron, cobalt, and nickel hydride species featuring strongly trans-influencing, anionic central donor atoms (PCP, POCOP, PSiP, PBP) have been shown to rapidly insert CO2 into the metal-hydride (M-H) bond later resulting in the formation of formate.⁴ However, CO₂activation by species without an M-H bond can be more challenging. Looking to take advantage of the secondary coordination sphere, recent research has focused on the inclusion of Lewis basic and acid moieties into the ligand periphery as a means to tailor reactivity.⁵ For example, cooperative reactivity between platinum and a peripheral aluminum atom has been shown to activate CO₂.⁶ Herein, we describe the synthesis of a series of PCP pincer ligands featuring Lewis acidic moieties(silyl or boryl) in the secondary coordination sphere. The formation of strong Si-O and B-O/N bonding interactions are leveraged to activate Lewis basic carbonyl substrates utilizing nickel. Insights into the sustainability and green chemistry considerations of the species described are provided.  

1. Matlin, S. A.; Cornell, S. E.; Krief, A.; Hopf, H.; Mehta, G. Chemical Science 2022, 13 (40), 11710–11720.
2. Clapson, M. L.; Durfy, C. S.; Facchinato, D.; Drover, M. W. Cell Reports Physical Science 2023, 4 (9), 101548.
3. van Koten, G.; Hollis, T. K.; Morales‐Morales, D. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 2020, 2020 (47), 4416–4417.
4. Eberhardt, N. A.; Guan, H. Reduction of CO2 Mediated or Catalyzed by Pincer Complexes. In Pincer Compounds; Elsevier, 2018; pp 67–99.
5. Durfy, C. S.; Zurakowski, J. A.; Drover, M. W. ChemSusChem 2024, 17 (13), e202400039.
6. Devillard, M.; Declercq, R.; Nicolas, E.; Ehlers, A. W.; Backs, J.; Saffon-Merceron, N.; Bouhadir, G.; Slootweg, J. C.; Uhl, W.; Bourissou, D. J Am Chem Soc 2016, 138 (14), 4917–4926.

Dr. Marissa Clapson is celebrating her second year as an assistant professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. She currently holds the positions of Chair in the Canadian Institute of Chemistry (CIC) Green Division as well as Vice Chair of the CIC Pride Resource Group. Dr. Clapson is deeply passionate about sustainability in chemistry and the workplace. She believes that sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and reconciliation (EDI-AR), and green chemistry go hand-in hand and allow us to create a better global future. Dr. Clapson completed her PhD thesis at the University of Calgary, working with Dr. Warren Piers [Thesis Title: Organocobalt PCP Carbene Complexes for Small Molecule Activation & SoTL Explorations in the Gamification of Learning in General, Organic, and Polymer Chemistry]. Extending from that work, she stablished her company ChemEscape Consulting Inc. focused on developing gamified learning materials for applications in STEM classrooms. She completed her postdoctoral work with Dr. Marcus Drover at the University of Windsor focusing on the application of boranes in the secondary coordination sphere of nickelcomplexes for small molecule activation. Throughout her research career, Dr. Clapson has been awarded a series of research and teaching awards including the CIC delegate position at the 2025 Commonwealth Chemistry Congress (Stellenbosch, South Africa), an NSERC Discovery Grant, as well as the Memorial University Hugh Anderson Award for excellence in teaching and research. Her current research is focused on the development of sustainable catalysts for smallmolecule transformation including CO2 and nitrate reduction, aqueous C-C cross coupling reactions, and the development of recyclable catalysts using waste textiles as supports. Similarly, Dr. Clapson works with her team to develop interactive, gamified activities to teach Inorganic and Green Chemistry in undergraduate classrooms and at chemistry conferences (the professional’s classroom).