Luke Cooper

Luke is a Chemistry major at Alma College…

Synthesis and Electrochemical Analysis of Photocyclized Pyridinium Salts 

Lucas Cooper

Pyridinium salts have many uses, including playing a key role in reaching drug targets, food preservatives, and electrolytes for energy storage. Photocyclized pyridinium salts haven’t been explored as thoroughly but may keep their electrochemical properties while also having other useful qualities. Analyzing a cyclized pyridinium with an amino group may show polymerization at high voltages and catalytic properties previously unseen in pyridiniums. The compounds were synthesized from a pyrylium intermediate, followed by a condensation, and exposure to oxygen and ultraviolet light. The compounds were examined using mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. 

Thanks for the summer Luke!  Have a great last year at Alma.