Transition metal chemistry and catalysis

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Hydrogenation catalysts are used by industry to produce fuels, bulk chemicals and fine chemicals including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fragrances. They are usually composed of expensive, rare and toxic platinum metals. Since 2007 our group has discovered and invented sustainable and much cheaper iron catalysts that promise to replace some conventional catalysts used for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines for the production of valuable alcohols and amines. For example, certain alcohols can be used for the synthesis of drugs used in chemotherapy, and selected amines, in the synthesis of antidepressants and antibiotics. Cheap iron catalysts might also find application in the energy field in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide as well as hydrogen storage and evolution.