Catalytic transformations of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing substrates

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

During the next 5 years, the Kerton group will develop new ways to make small organic molecules and plastics using renewable feedstocks alone or in combination with oil-based chemicals. Most renewables (carbon dioxide, sugars, amino acids and related naturally-sourced molecules) contain oxygen and/or nitrogen heteroatoms. This contrasts with chemicals obtained from gas, oil or coal that typically contain very few non-carbon or -hydrogen atoms. Therefore, new chemical methods are needed, because during the past century, "the petroleum age", chemists have focused their efforts on selective conversion of hydrocarbons into desirable products. Due to depleting fossil fuel reserves, chemists must now strive to selectively convert renewable feedstocks into higher value products. This means that new reactions and new catalysts need to be developed. Furthermore, utilization of carbon dioxide as a starting material for new products is a crucial field of research for timely reductions in our carbon footprint. In the Kerton group, three inter-connected streams of research are being pursued towards this goal: (1) New nitrogen-containing chemicals from biomass and their reactivity; (2) New polymers derived from renewable feedstocks; and (3) New catalytic transformations of alcohols, ethers, amines and amides. Within these streams of fundamental research, several projects target global areas of importance highlighted by governments and research organizations (e.g. ACS Green Chemistry Institute Roundtables, and NSERC strategic areas such as Sustainable Manufacturing): carbon dioxide activation and utilization, catalytic oxidation reactions, and new nitrogen-centered chemistry. Advances in these areas could have a significant impact on Canada's economy and environment in the next 15-30 years. Few researchers in the field of renewable chemicals are targeting both small molecule and polymer targets, therefore, due to this two-pronged combined approach, new and important discoveries will be made. For example, a new molecular building block, which we have prepared from waste shrimp shells, could lead to the production of a renewable polymer with properties similar to Kevlar (found in bullet-proof vests). Molecules, materials and methods discovered as part of this research program may find utility in the total synthesis of bioactive compounds (medicine), in the production of high-value engineering materials or commodity plastics (chemical manufacturing), or as a stepping-stone for future research and discoveries (knowledge base). Also, a large number of both undergraduate and graduate students (HQP) will be trained and they will add to the strength of Canada's workforce in technological fields aimed at sustainable development and pollution reduction. Kerton group HQP are encouraged to follow the principles of green chemistry and engineering, whilst obtaining training in fundamental chemistry problem solving and expertise. We are interested in mechanism-driven research in that HQP are asked to obtain kinetic and thermodynamic data for the chemical processes that they discover and study. Once such data is obtained, we strive to use this information to improve on initial discoveries in subsequent investigations. Where possible, in situ FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic measurements are performed under `real' reaction conditions e.g. HQP will make use of our modified pressure vessel and ReactIR system to study activation of carbon dioxide. New discoveries that are made as part of this research program will ultimately lead to economic and environmental benefits for Canada and Canadians.