CAREER: Nonmetal Phosphorus Catalysts for Hydrogen Transfer Reactivity

在这个由化学部化学催化项目资助的项目中，宾夕法尼亚州立大学的Alexander Radosevich教授正在研究用于氢转移催化的廉价非金属化合物。制备了具有几何畸变的三配位磷化合物，并对其在五配位二氢磷烷中间体中的转移加氢催化作用进行了评价。该研究包括对氢与磷基催化剂转移反应的机理因素的调查，以及对开发用于有价值的合成转化的高效非金属催化剂所需的分子和电子设计原则的评估。与当地合作伙伴一起，正在开展推广工作，以促进K-12学生积极参与科学，包括为服务不足人口的高中生开设夏季研究课程，以及为年轻学习者举办以化学为重点的互动儿童博物馆展览。这项工作更广泛的影响包括从毒性更小、富含地球元素中发现催化剂的潜在好处，以及通过非课堂活动引入学生主动学习科学。催化剂使药物、材料和燃料的制备具有可扩展性、经济性和对环境负责的方式。这个项目的重点是发现一种基于轻质、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.