Chemistry Commons^™

Compton Scattering Of Mammographic Soft X-Ray Beams By Alkali And Transition Metal Salt Filters Produce X-Ray Interference Zones That May Have Treatment Potential For Localized Cancer Lesions, Subhendra N. Sarkar, Eric Lobel, Sabina Rakhmatova, Derbie Desir, Somdat Kissoon, Daler Djuraev, Katie Tam

Publications and Research

In breast x-ray imaging scattered radiation adds 50% of harmful radiation dose from anisotropic Compton scattering mechanism. We have been working with double layered inorganic salt materials that can induce Compton scattering to the incident mammographic x ray beams (in 20-30 kVp range) with adequate isotropy (angular control). Typically metal nitrates and alkali halide salt layers are shown here to cause low energy radiation interference zones with high and low photon intensities and local flux heterogeneity in terms of flux covariance. Spatial variation of low energy photon flux creates concentrated and sparse radiation zones that may be used to induce …

The Impact Of Fluorination On The Volatility Of A Series Of Lanthanide Complexes, Kh Mahfuzul Alam

Dissertations and Theses

Volatile lanthanides have been proposed for applications such as chemical vapor deposition precursors and facilitating f-element separations. The latter is motivated by their broad use in technological applications. In collaboration with synthetic chemists, we studied Ln-complexes with functionalized forms of the bulky tris[(4-hydroxy-pentenylidene-2-imino)ethyl]amine (TRAC) ligand. Five ligands, labeled Yb(CH3,CH3TRAC), Yb(CH3,CF3TRAC), Yb(CF3,CF3TRAC), Yb(CF3,C3F7TRAC) and Nd(tbu,C3F7TRAC) were synthesized and volatile Ln complexes were obtained. However, the temperature at which they sublime was not sufficiently low for industrial applications. Therefore, this work examined the experimentally characterized Yb(CH3,CH3TRAC), Yb(CH3,CF3TRAC), Yb(CF3,CF3TRAC), Yb(CF3,C3F7TRAC) and Nd(tbu,C3F7TRAC) in detail. The importance of interactions between two neighboring molecules in …

Activation Of Molecular Oxygen For The Selective Oxidation Of Alkenes Catalyzed By Hollow Mn3o4 Nanoparticles, Pranab Kumar Nandy

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation describes two distinct projects: 1) hollow Mn3O4 nanoparticles for selective oxidation of alkenes with O2, and 2) investigation of chloro[2-(mesityl(quinoline-8-yl-κN)boryl]-3,5-dimethyl-phenyl}methyl-κC)palladium(II) for activation of C-F bonds in aryl fluorides. Hollow Mn3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized from the galvanic reaction between Cu2+ and MnO nanocrystals. The hollow Mn3O4 particles were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The particles have diameter of 31 nm and a hollow cavity of 16 nm. We investigated the role of the hollow Mn3O4 nanoparticles in the selective oxidation of organic substrates with molecular oxygen. The results indicate that the hollow Mn3O4 nanoparticles catalyze …

Advancing Anti-Counterfeiting Approach Via The Development Of Functional Optical Materials, Zishen Yang

Dissertations and Theses

Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health and safety, necessitating robust measures to combat it. Addressing this challenge requires the development of advanced materials and techniques, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles inherent in anti-counterfeiting endeavors. Our study delved into two approaches for crafting anti-counterfeiting technologies: plasmonic and luminescence materials. We thoroughly examined the challenges associated with each method and proposed viable solutions. Notably, we devised a streamlined process for producing inkjet printable Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) ink, enabling the creation of low-cost covert quick response (QR) codes with a high storage capacity. Access to the encoded …

Advanced Optical Biosensing Using Ratiometric Fluorescent Polymer Dots And Nanozyme, Shuyi He

Dissertations and Theses

Biosensors have been deeply valued and widely used in fermentation technology, environmental monitoring, food engineering, clinical medicine, and the military. However, current biosensors still face many technical challenges, such as miniaturization, convenience, high precision, and low power consumption which restrict the popularization and development of biosensors. Meeting these challenges require the development of advanced materials and technologies. Optical biosensors offer distinct advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid response time, and the potential for miniaturization, making them ideal for overcoming the existing limitations. My research in this dissertation explores the development and application of advanced functional nanomaterials in optical biosensing, focusing …

Binary Phase Nio-Tio2 Heterojunction For Photocatalytic H2o2 Formation, Rashed Mia

Dissertations and Theses

The overreliance on fossil fuels contributes to geopolitical, economic, and environmental risks that adversely affect society. Photocatalytic processes in which light energy is used to drive endothermic chemical steps, such as water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen, could contribute solutions to these energy and environmental issues. Numerous substances have been developed that can effectively catalyze solar water splitting; however, their efficiency has yet to reach cost equivalence with rival technologies. The most studied materials employ semiconductors for light absorption, modified with co-catalysts to gather photogenerated charge carriers and promote electron transfer, thereby enabling endothermic redox reactions to occur. Anatase TiO2 …

Functionalization Of Pristine And Defective Monolayer Graphene To Control Biofilm Growth, Md Tusar Uddin

Dissertations and Theses

Biofilms are surface-attached microorganism communities that are embedded in extracellular matrix. They play a significant role in different infections which cause many life-threatening diseases in the world population. Many strategies have been developed to control biofilm formation and microbial adhesion on the surface such as coating by an antimicrobial agent, chemical modification of surfaces, and physical destruction of biofilm areas. However, these techniques are not sufficient to limit the widespread biofilm formation. Therefore, new antimicrobial strategies need to be developed to control these often antibiotics-resistant microorganisms. The aim of our work is to develop novel materials to maximize the capability …

Autoregulatory Mechanism Of Enzyme Activity By The Nuclear Localization Signal Of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1, Dulmi Senanayaka, Danyun Zeng, Sahar Alishiri, William J. Martin, Khadijah I. Moore, Roshni Patel, Zigmund Luka, Alexander Hirschi, Nicholas J. Reiter

Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications

The N-terminal region of the human lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) has no predicted structural elements, contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), undergoes multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs), and acts as a protein-protein interaction hub. This intrinsically disordered region (IDR) extends from core LSD1 structure, resides atop the catalytic active site, and is known to be dispensable for catalysis. Here, we show differential nucleosome binding between the full-length and an N terminus deleted LSD1 and identify that a conserved NLS and PTM containing element of the N terminus contains an alpha helical structure, and that this conserved element impacts demethylation. Enzyme assays …

Editorial: The Marine Iodine Cycle, Past, Present, And Future, Rosie Chance, Gregory A. Cutter, Dalton S. Hardisty, Anoop S. Mahajan

OES Faculty Publications

In this Research Topic, we bring together ten articles from the diverse research communities interested in the marine iodine cycle, including paleoceanographers, atmospheric chemists, and biogeochemists. The physical chemistry underpinning iodine’s chemical speciation and transformations in the ocean is reviewed by Luther; this paper provides a theoretical basis for the field observations presented in this Research Topic.

Intercalibration: A Cornerstone Of The Success Of The Geotraces Program, Ana Aguilar-Islas, Hélène Planquette, Maeve C. Lohan, Walter Geibert, Gregory Cutter

OES Faculty Publications

The international GEOTRACES program was developed to enhance knowledge about the distribution of trace elements and their isotopes (TEIs) in the ocean and to reduce the uncertainty about their sources, sinks, and internal cycling. Recognizing the importance of intercalibration from the outset, GEOTRACES implemented intercalibration efforts early in the program, and consensus materials were generated that included the full range of TEIs dissolved in seawater, in suspended particles, and from aerosols. The GEOTRACES section cruises include “crossover station(s)” that are occupied by two or more sections and whereby all aspects of sample collection, preservation, and processing can be compared and …

Marine Emissions Of Methanethiol Increase Aerosol Cooling In The Southern Ocean, Charel Wohl, Julián Villamayor, Martí Galí, Anoop S. Mahajan, Rafael P. Fernández, Carlos A. Cuevas, Adriana Bossolasco, Qinyi Li, Anthony J. Kettle, Tara Williams, Roland Sarda-Esteve, Valérie Gros, Rafel Simó, Alfonso Saiz-Lopez

OES Faculty Publications

Ocean-emitted dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a major source of climate-cooling aerosols. However, most of the marine biogenic sulfur cycling is not routed to DMS but to methanethiol (MeSH), another volatile whose reactivity has hitherto hampered measurements. Therefore, the global emissions and climate impact of MeSH remain unexplored. We compiled a database of seawater MeSH concentrations, identified their statistical predictors, and produced monthly fields of global marine MeSH emissions adding to DMS emissions. Implemented into a global chemistry-climate model, MeSH emissions increase the sulfate aerosol burden by 30 to 70% over the Southern Ocean and enhance the aerosol cooling effect while …

Unlv Title Iii Aanapisi & Mcnair Scholars Institute Research Journal 2024, Jesica Godinez-Paredes, Kian Hassankhan, Apia Hickman, Robin Ruth Kee, Kevin Ayala Pineda, Briana Melendez, Kalli Ramos, Saturn L. Reyes, Fabian Leija, Selena Pepe, Silva Topchyan, Celeste Ainsley, Mayra Arzate, Jessica Balistreri, Zantana Ephrem, Mirella Jasso, Karl Panou, Nichole Pelaez, Miklo Alcala, Akshay Dave, Mey Mey Heng, Michael Finkle, Janessa Montenegro, Reynafe Naol Aniga, Victor Mejia, Angelica G. Diaz, Anayeli Flores-Garibay, Kari Lee Joe Goold, Samantha Hernandez, Lianelys Cabrera Martinez, Caitlin Reynolds, Kimberly N. Usbeck, Abdulrahman Alahdal, Angelica Diaz, Willaine Mae Kahano, Raquel Jackson, Cecia Ruiz-Hernandez, Kers Ung-Watson, Yessenia Henriquez, Vanessa Marie Booth, Alexia Brown, Darlyn Magana, Bianca Navarro, Nicholas Pereira, Gia Renemae Calip, Lucky Heng, Ralph Sagun, Lucas Abreu, Alexandra Maria Acosta, Tristan Benally, Cosset Hernandez Pena, Adrian Montenegro, Cierra Paaaina-Daquioag, Nicole Torosian, Tracy Fuentes, Julissa Martinez, Medina Mcallister, Michal Newhouse-Van Vlerin, Tiria Carr, Nima Abkenar, Isabella Aceituno, Yuhan Bi, Victoria Campos, Melika Cummings, Zachary J. Johnigan, Alexis Sotolongo-Marin

McNair Journal

Journal articles based on research conducted by undergraduate students in the AANAPISI, LSAMP, and McNair Scholars Program.

Table of Contents

About AANAPISI

Dr. Chris Heavey, Interim President

Dr. Keith Rogers, Vice President for Student Affairs

Ms. Zhanna Aronov, Associate Vice President for Retention & Outreach

Synthesis Of Hydroxycinnamate Derivatives And Characterization Of Bioactivity As Radical Scavengers And Α-Glucosidase Inhibitors, Cate Simmermaker

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), a class of polyphenols commonly found in regularly consumed fruits and vegetables, have been investigated for efficacy as radical scavengers and glycosidase inhibitors. These compounds could mitigate the negative health effects of free radicals in oxidative stress diseases including neurodegeneration, cancer and diabetes. The HCAs investigated were caffeic acid (1), p-coumaric acid (2), ferulic acid (3), and sinapic acid (4). The compounds were derivatized with synthetically prepared amino acid esters through a four-step synthesis including protective acetylation, chlorination of the carboxylic acid, amidation, and subsequent deprotection of all applied protecting groups. The inclusion of diverse derivative groups …

Volume 15, Connor Thompson, Emily Steffenhagen, Emily Robertson, Luis Fernando Dos Reis, Emily Farmer, Samuel Villa, Robert Allison, Zachary Chessor, Megan Borden, Austin Burnett, Larry W. Grant Jr., Tristan Marowski, Emma Moore, Pearl Siff

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction Dr. Amorette Barber, Director, Office of Student Research

From the Editor Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell

Artist’s Statement Connor Thompson

On Mentorship Dr. John Miller

The Meat of the Matter: Alien, Human, and Animal in Terry Bisson’s “They’re Made Out of Meat” by Emily Steffenhagen

“Please REBLOG!”: An Ethical Analysis of Doxxing, Internet Vigilantism and Racists Getting Fired by Emily Robertson

Journaling: Paper Has More Patience Than People by Luis Fernando Dos Reis

The Effects of Climate Change on the Archaeological World by Emily Farmer

Lowered Seat Height Does Not Impair Wingate Performance in Untrained Cyclists by Samuel Villa, Robert Allison, …

Photoinduced Alpha-Hydroxy C–H Alkylation Of Mono-Alcohols Via Hydrogen Atom Transfer (Hat) Of An Activated Boron-Containing Complex, Courtney Deanna Glenn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hydroxy (-OH) groups are one of the most abundant functional groups found in natural products and pharmaceuticals with many of these compounds containing multiple alcohol classes. The ability to selectively functionalize a specific α-OH C–H bond in the presence of other competitive sites would provide straightforward access to new, potentially bioactive compounds. In recent literature, photoredox catalysis has been implemented to perform site and stereoselective α-OH C–H functionalization of cis-diol containing substrates. Incorporating an organoboron cocatalyst into these systems have proven to be crucial in decreasing the bond dissociation energy (BDE) and increasing hydricity of the α-OH C–H bond …

Investigation Of Deoxyfluorination Of Alkyl Alcohols Using Pentafluoropyridines Through A Covalent Intermediate, Christopher Allen Bias

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organofluorines are an omnipresent class of organic molecules, especially in pharmaceuticals. Selective fluorination of drug molecules allows for the influence of properties including metabolic activity, solubility, and intrinsic potency. Deoxyfluorinations are typically performed via generation of nucleophilic fluoride from a deoxyfluorination agent. Traditionally, diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST) is the reagent of choice for these reactions, and it remains a popular reagent today. However, it has a propensity to form elimination side products and explode. Several research groups have recently developed new classes of deoxyfluorination agents including imidazole-based reagents (PhenoFluor) and sulfonyl fluorides (PyFluor) that exhibit better functional group tolerance and much …

C–H Alkylation Of Diol Substrates Using Bifunctional Boronic Acid Catalysts, Matthew Ryan Ross

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Boronic acid catalysts in combination with a Lewis base have been used in previous work to perform site-selective C–H alkylation reactions targeting the α-hydroxy C–H bond of diols through a photoredox activated hydrogen atom transfer. This is done by accessing a tetracoordinate boronic acid – Lewis base complex which then mediates the hydrogen atom transfer. The research hypothesizes that combining the boronic acid and Lewis base into one molecule not only simplifies the reaction but also has the potential to unlock C–H alkylation sites previously inaccessible. This is plausible because the Lewis base portion of the synthesized bifunctional boronic acid …

Molecular Understanding And Design Of Deep Eutectic Solvents And Proteins Using Computer Simulations And Machine Learning, Usman Lame Abbas

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as excellent extractants. A major challenge is the lack of an efficient tool to discover DES candidates. Currently, the search relies heavily on the researchers’ intuition or a trial-and-error process, which leads to a low success rate or bypassing of promising candidates. DES performance depends on the heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment formed by multiple hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. Understanding this heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment can help develop principles for designing high performance DESs for extraction and other separation applications. This work investigates the structure and dynamics of hydrogen bonds in hydrophobic DESs …

Interface Engineering Of Lithium Metal Anodes Via Atomic And Molecular Layer Deposition, Xiangbo Meng

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Rechargeable batteries are playing an ever-increasing important role in our society. Their performance (such as cell cyclability, safety, and lifespan) is critical for their applications. Among the various factors related to cell performance, interfaces, which ubiquitously exist between an electrode and an electrolyte, have some significant functions. They mostly evolve and degrade with cell cycling. Thus, an ideal interface should be physically and electrochemically stable and able to provide a compatible environment for electrolytes and electrodes in cells. To this end, interface engineering is needed and has become an important area. It has been achieved via different strategies. In the …

Chemical Synthesis Of Sensitive Dna, Komal Chillar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Over the past decades, researchers have tried various chemical methods to synthesize modified oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs, i.e. short segments of DNAs). Traditional ODN synthesis methods require strong basic, and nucleophilic conditions for the deprotection and cleavage of the ODN from the solid support. However, the sensitive ODNs containing labile functionalities are vulnerable to such harsh conditions. Sensitive ODNs have a wide range of applications in research and pharmaceuticals. To synthesize sensitive ODNs, researchers devised different strategies but no practical methods have been developed. To overcome these challenges, we developed alkyl Dim alkyl Dmoc technology. This innovative technology uses weakly basic and …

Establishing A Two-Color Fluorescence Probe Assay For The Simultaneous Screening Of Glut5 And Glut2 Fructose Transporters In Live Cells, Oluwanifesimi Mary Afolabi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The mammalian facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT) family comprises 14 members that mediate the transport of hexoses across cell membranes. GLUT5 is the only member specific to fructose, and together with GLUT2, which transports fructose in addition to glucose, they make up the primary fructose transporters in humans. This study introduces a novel two-color fluorescence assay designed to simultaneously monitor the activity of GLUT5 and GLUT2 in live cells. 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (2,5-AM) a GLUT5 targeting compound has facilitated the development of various fructose-mimicking probes with a wide range of properties, such as radioactive imaging, fluorescent, photoactive, and drug delivery capabilities. Effective and …

Inhaling The Unseen: Exploring The Presence Of Microplastics In The Human Respiratory Tract, Kara Coffman-Rea

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Microplastics (plastic pieces less than 5 mm) have emerged as a pervasive form of pollution acknowledged as a universal threat to both environmental and human health. Their small size and widespread distribution pose significant risks to marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and ultimately human health. Microplastics have been reported in food and drink items designated for human consumption, in cosmetics and consumer goods designed for human use, and within the air we breathe, each providing an entry route for microplastics to enter the human body. Recently, microplastic particles have been detected in a variety of human tissue samples (e.g., lung tissue). …

Addressing The Effects Of Counterion Size On The Properties Of Electrochemically Doped Conjugated Polymers, Kyle Baustert

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are an emerging class of materials that are attractive for many applications due to their low cost, flexibility, and ease of processing. Both chemical and electrochemical doping of CPs is done to alter important properties such as their electrical conductivities and optical absorbances. This ability to tune their properties allows for their use in devices such as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for biosensing and bioelectronics, electrochromic devices for color changing windows, as well as wearable thermoelectrics to use body heat to power wearable electronics. There are several factors that can influence the properties of doped CPs including …

Single-Atom Catalysts For Electrochemical Energy Conversion: Copper Single-Atom Catalyst For Oxygen Reduction Reaction And Quantification Of Site Density By Co Stripping Voltammetry, Dawatage Perera

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Fuel cells are considered a promising technology for achieving cleaner and more sustainable energy production and utilization. However, one of the current major challenges is the economic viability associated with the extensive use of Pt group metal (PGM) catalysts, particularly on the cathode side. Therefore, non-PGM single-atom catalysts (SACs) have received considerable attention as alternatives for PGM catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which occurs at the cathode of the fuel cell. Among various SAC structures, the non-PGM/nitrogen-doped carbon-based structure (M-N-C) stands out for its excellent ORR performance.

Chapter 2 illustrates the use of copper metal in place of …

Effect Of Π-Conjugated Ligands And A* Site Organic Cations On The Energetic Properties And Photovoltaic Performance Of Metal Halide Perovskites, Harindi R. Atapattu

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Metal halide perovskites have gained interest in optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics, lasers, LEDs, transistors, and photodetectors due to their excellent semiconducting properties considering their low cost. Metal halide perovskite (HP) photovoltaics have rapidly increased in power conversion efficiency (PCE), which now exceeds 25%. HPs have gained attention in these applications due to their high tolerance towards defects, long charge carrier diffusion lengths, high charge carrier mobility, high optical absorption, and bandgaps that are tunable over a large range. Even though HP photovoltaic PCEs are improved these are still not commercially available due to them showing lower stability and energy …

Understanding Of Processing Additives Influence In Tin Halide Perovskites: Chemistry, Defect, And Photovoltaic Performance, Syed Rahmath Ullah Joy

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Metal halide perovskite semiconductors have attracted much interest for various applications, such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, photodetectors, and lasers, due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Photovoltaic cell development is centered on Pb-based perovskites, which have equal photovoltaic performance compared to the traditional silicon photovoltaic. But concerns arising from the usage of toxic lead metal have motivated the research community to seek an alternative derivative. Among those, tin halide perovskites show much promise as an alternative to Pb-counterparts due to their ideal bandgap for single junction photovoltaics and similar optoelectronic properties to Pb perovskites. Nevertheless, tin perovskites suffer from …

Synthetic Strategies Toward The Development Of Stable Gold-Based Anticancer Agents And Their Mechanistic Insight, Adedamola Arojojoye

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Despite notable advancements in the design and synthesis of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Metallodrugs, especially Au complexes, have played a prominent role in the search for the next generation of chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, I report on the synthetic strategies towards the rational design of stable Au (Au)-based agents, study their reactivity in biological environment, and offer insights into the cytotoxic mechanism of action in cancer. Chemotherapeutic Au compounds exist mainly in +I or +III oxidation states. Repurposing of the Au(I) FDA approved auranofin for the treatment of diseases …

Synthesis, Functionalization, And Application Of Polymeric Membrane Blends Of Polysulfone, Poly-Ether Ether-Ketone, And Natural Fiber Additive Biochar For Optimal Water Treatment., Abelline Katusiime Fionah

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

According to the Center for disease control (CDC), an estimated 1.7 to 2.2 million persons die from waterborne diseases annually. The majority of individuals dying from diseases resulting from unsafe drinking water, such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis, are children. This has in turn created a global water crisis. Different methods have been developed to treat contaminated water in response to the global water crisis such as adsorption, filtration, ozonolysis, catalysis, etc. Of the methods available, filtration via polymeric membranes has been one of the most successfully applied. A membrane is a thin semi-permeable barrier (often made of a polymer) used …

Applying Synchrotron Saxs And Xas To Study The Microstructure Of Energy Conversion And Storage Materials, Lingzhe Fang

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The microstructure of energy conversion and storage materials is a key determinant of physical properties and electrochemical performance. Synchrotron X-ray techniques, with their strengths of high flux and exceptional brightness, play an irreplaceable role in understanding nano and sub-nano structures. This helps the study of reaction mechanisms and benefits material design in energy conversion and storage area. Electrifying CO2 transformation using renewable energy offers a carbon-neutral solution to CO2 recycling and fuel generation. Among various feedstocks from the CO2 reduction reaction, CO, HCOOH, and CH4 have approached the performance thresholds for industry implementation. The application of single atom catalysts (SACs) …

Gas-Phase Mass Spectrometry Studies Of Ternary Metal Carboxylate Complexes, Anthony James Fanizza

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

In the wake of climate change from rising CO2 emissions and with peak oil looming, the dive into sustainable fuels and energy is becoming increasingly essential. This dissertation investigates ternary ligand-metal cationic complexes for potential catalytic applications in the decarboxylation of carboxylic acids to produce bioavailable and carbon-neutral fuel sources. By utilizing gas-phase reactivity studies via mass spectrometry, namely, collision-induced dissociation and ion-molecule reactions, mechanisms can be elucidated in a regulated chemical environment. When paired with density functional theory calculations for molecular geometries, chemical interactions, charge densities, and energetics, system efficiencies can be further clarified presenting a more complete mechanistic …