Thanks to The National Centre for Research and Development projects (POWR.03.02.00-00-I023/17 and POWR.03.02.00-00-I026/16) two of our PhD students – Katarzyna Mituła and Julia Duszczak had an opportunity to participate in a scientific internship (1.11.2019-31.01.2020) under the supervision of Prof. Carmela Aprile and PhD Andrea Santiago Portillo at the University of Namur (Faculty of Chemistry and Department of Laboratory of Applied Materials Chemistry (CMA)). During these three months, Katarzyna and Julia explored the application of Heck coupling and the Sonogashira process that are ubiquitous with organosilicon frameworks. These reactions were tested in the modification of difunctionalized double-decker silsesquioxanes synthesized in our group with terpyridine derivatives.

The task was to obtain selected types of products with high yields and selectivity by optimization of reaction conditions. Obtained compounds were investigated as the ligands for selected metals ions to form complexes (via titration) and their photophysical properties were also studied (UV-Vis spectrophotometer and fluorimeter). This internship enabled Kasia and Julia to broaden their knowledge and experience in the coordination chemistry. Additionally, new friendships were established. Finally, this internship facilitated the beginning of the collaboration with Prof. Carmela Aprile Research Group and new ideas and concepts worth continuing in a wider perspective arisen.