CAREER: Nonmetal Phosphorus Catalysts for Hydrogen Transfer Reactivity

在这个由化学系化学催化计划资助的项目中，宾夕法尼亚州立大学的亚历山大拉多塞维奇教授正在研究用于氢转移催化的廉价非金属化合物。制备了几何畸变的三配位磷化合物，并评价了其通过五配位二氧磷杂环己烷中间体的转移氢化催化作用。该研究涉及允许氢转移反应与磷基催化剂的机械因素的调查和评估所需的分子和电子设计原则，以开发有效的非金属催化剂的有价值的合成转化。与当地合作伙伴一道，正在开展外联工作，促进K-12学生积极参与科学，包括为来自服务不足人口的高中生开设暑期研究课程，以及为年轻学习者举办以化学为重点的互动式儿童博物馆展览。这项工作的更广泛的影响包括从毒性较低的地球丰富的元素中发现催化剂的潜在好处，以及通过非课堂活动向学生介绍积极学习科学。催化剂能够以可扩展、经济和环保的方式制备药物、材料和燃料。该项目的重点是发现一类基于轻质、廉价和丰富的非金属元素的新型催化剂。潜在的更广泛的社会效益包括以可持续的方式生产无残留金属的化学品和材料。

In this project funded by the Chemical Catalysis program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Alexander Radosevich of The Pennsylvania State University is investigating inexpensive nonmetal compounds for hydrogen transfer catalysis. Geometrically distorted tricoordinate phosphorus compounds are prepared and evaluated for transfer hydrogenation catalysis via pentacoordinate dihydridophosphorane intermediates. The research involves an investigation of the mechanistic factors that permit hydrogen transfer reactivity with phosphorus-based catalysts and an assessment of the molecular and electronic design principles required to develop efficient nonmetal catalysts for valuable synthetic transformations. In conjunction with local partners, outreach efforts to promote active participation in science by K-12 students are being pursued including a summer research curriculum for high school students from underserved populations, and a chemistry-focused, interactive children's museum exhibit for young learners. The broader impacts of this work include potential benefits from the discovery of catalysts from less toxic, earth abundant elements as well as the introduction of students to active learning in science through non-classroom activities. Catalysts enable the preparation of medicines, materials and fuels in a scalable, economical, and environmentally responsible manner. This project focuses on the discovery of a new class of catalysts based on lightweight, inexpensive, and abundant nonmetal elements. The potential broader societal benefits include the production of chemicals and materials free of residual metals and in a sustainable manner.