Synthesis and development of sustainable main group catalysts

The efficiency afforded by catalytic reactions means catalysis will play a central role as society seeks to make a transition to a sustainable chemical infrastructure. Homogeneous catalysis is typically based on precious metals (Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir) that possess an accessible n/n+2 redox couple which permits the bond cleavage (oxidative addition) and bond forming (reductive elimination) components of a catalytic cycle. Sustainable, benign, and cheap elements (Mg, Ca or Al) are limited in their catalytic application as they do not possess an accessible n/n+2 redox couple and a different approach to catalysis is required.

You will focus on the development of new catalysts based on main group metals (Mg, Ca and Al) that are capable of directly activating H-X bonds (X = H, NR₂ or SiR₃) without a change in metal oxidation state and utilising this capability in homogeneous catalysis. Cooperation between a main group metal centre and its supporting ligand for bond activation and catalysis is particularly rare and represents an exciting opportunity to establish new catalytic reactivity for these cheap and sustainable metals.

The successful candidate will receive training in a range of techniques applicable to synthetic chemistry including the manipulation of air and moisture sensitive compounds, multinuclear NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. In addition to developing practical skills the student will also develop excellent reasoning and presentation skills.