New nickel compounds for sustainable catalysis

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The ligands that are attached to a transition metal complex have a profound influence on its reactivity. The relationship between ligand structure and the reactivity of the corresponding complex is not often well understood, and there are many opportunities to develop new reactivity by examining new ligand scaffolds. This project will develop a thorough understanding of how different ligands can be used to achieve new reactivity and selectivity in the field of nickel catalysis by applying Professor Drover's expertise in organometallic synthesis and ligand design, and Dr Nelson's expertise in physical (in)organic chemistry and computational modelling. The aim is to do so via a series of studies examining key steps, such as oxidative addition and transmetalation, that are crucial to widely-used reactions. This project will also make use of a set of Lewis acid-functionalised ligands that have been pioneered by Professor Drover.