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		Michelle Millar Associate Professor B. S., 1968, University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., 1975, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Postdoctoral Research Associate, Texas A & M University, 1975-77; Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cornell University, 1978. (631) 632-7909 Email: michelle.millar@sunysb.edu Publications

	INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Current research is directed toward the design, synthesis, and study of new transition metal complexes that are apt to exhibit interesting structural, reactivity, and/or physical properties. Using this approach, researchers in my laboratory have made and continue to make significant discoveries related to understanding the behavior of metal centers in proteins and in industrially important catalysts. We have pioneered the use of sterically encumbered thiolate ligands to acquire complexes that possess some of the more unusual features of metal-cysteine centers in metalloproteins. The rationale for this approach came from the thought that proteins function as sterically encumbered ligands. Correspondingly, we have isolated and characterized analogs for iron-sulfur centers in the oxidized form of rubredoxin, [Fe(SR)4]1-, and the oxidized form of high potential iron-sulfur proteins, [Fe4S4(SR)4]1-. Work on these and other systems is being explored. In a related area, graduate students in my group have successfully synthesized significant molecules that mimic the structural and redox characteristics of the nickel-containing hydrogenase enzymes. Some examples include the characterization of molecules with stable Ni(III)- and Ni(IV)-thiolate centers as well as Ni(II) compounds that form unusual [Ni ...HS] centers. A major objective of this research is to understand the way in which these enzymes catalyze the interconversion of H2 = 2 H + + 2 e. Hydrogen bonding interactions of protein amide NH groups with metal-cysteine centers is an important feature of several enzymes. Our recent work has shown that similar [NH ...S-M] hydrogen bonding interactions occur in our model compounds. Using this strategy, we have designed and created elaborate chelating ligands that form a protective pocket around the catalytic metal center. This research provides splendid opportunities for acquiring substantial skills and discoveries in several fundamental areas of chemistry.

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