Mechanism and applications of homogeneous catalysis in main group chemistry

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The importance of catalysis in the production of organic molecules and materials for the bulk and fine chemicals industries cannot be overstated. Although we typically think of catalysts as simply speeding up slow reactions, their real value is in selectively making single products of desired shapes and formulae, where non-catalytic processes would give multiple products from which the desired molecules must be separated. The selectivity afforded by catalysis is seriously under-exploited in the production of inorganic molecules and materials. Our research aims to remedy this. We have focused on the rich reactivity arising from catalytic transformations of P-H and Si-H bonds, and have identified synthetic targets for which the chemo-, regio-, and stereospecific incorporation of phosphorus or silicon adds significant value. These include: enantiopure phosphine ligands for use in asymmetric organic syntheses; robust polysilane plastics for incorporation in optical and/or electronic devices; and uniquely reactive siloxane precursors for the preparation of diverse silicone-containing materials. To achieve these syntheses, we need to establish a good understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms, so that we can choose appropriate catalysts and conditions. We will carry out detailed studies of simple catalyst systems based both on transition metal complexes (Ru, Rh, and others) and on Lewis acids (organoboranes). These will involve comprehensive product analysis of both stoichiometric and catalytic reactions using a range of spectroscopic, spectrometric and chromatographic techniques, as well as kinetic studies, and careful variation of catalyst structure to observe differences in activity.