Compounds of bidentate phosphines with metallocene backbones: electrochemistry and catalysis. Chip Nataro, Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College Catalysts are compounds that provide lower energy pathways for important chemical reactions. Without catalysts the production of numerous types of compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, would be impossible. Our studies do not typically focus on catalytic reactions. We examine the fundamental properties of compounds used in catalysis in order to gain a better understanding of what makes a given compound a good catalyst. In particular we focus on three aspects of these compounds. First, we examine the reactivity of these compounds in order to examine how subtle changes impact the reactivity. Second, we examine the structures of the compounds. Finally, we investigate the ability of the compounds to transfer an electron. These studies will come together to provide a better picture of why these compounds are efficient catalysts.