Transition metal complexes for hydroxylation of unactivated hydrocarbons

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My group pursues research in the chemistry of metal ions and is specifically interested in oxidation processes. Industry has a great need for energetically viable and environmentally friendly reactions that convert hydrocarbons, the constituents of oil and natural gas, into useful chemicals. Yet, the direct oxidative transformation of hydrocarbons remains tremendously difficult to achieve in mild conditions. Nature has optimized many such reactions through the use of metal-containing enzymes which operate in environmentally friendly conditions; it is therefore a great source of inspiration for this chemistry. The research goals of my group are thus two-fold: (1) understand the origin of the efficiency of the enzymes, and (2) prepare catalysts that can perform similar reactions. Our initial approach is to model the enzymatic active sites with small metal-containing molecules (called metal complexes) and study their reactivity behaviour. Comparison of the models and the enzymes will inform us on the factors necessary to achieve a strong reactivity. Next, we will implement these factors in metal complexes to perform efficient catalysis. In the short term, this research will provide a better understanding of the toolkit used by nature and how to improve the interaction between a substrate and an oxygen atom bonded to a metal ion. In the long term, our discoveries will guide the design of oxidative hydrocarbon transformations that minimize the number of steps and waste by-products.