New resource saving processes based on organic reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes
The objective of this project is the improvement of catalytic methods of organic chemistry for more rational resources using. Precatalysts structures and structure–activity relationships will be studied to achieve this goal, and then the detected patterns will be used to develop new resource saving catalyst systems. Homogeneous catalysis is in line with the so-called "green chemistry". Its purpose is more rational using of resources and reducing the harm caused by chemical processes to the environment. Among the principles of green chemistry one directly calls for chemists to give preference to catalytic processes, and a few (such as the minimization of energy consumption or use of more accessible starting compounds and the reduction of the synthetic steps number) indirectly linked to the development of catalytic techniques in organic synthesis.
The research will be concentrated in a few areas of homogeneous metal complexes catalysis, which are actively developing at the moment, namely:
- Synthesis of acyclic diamino carbene complexes of palladium(II) (Pd-ADC) and the study of their catalytic activity in many organic reactions;
- Preparation of cobalt and nickel complexes and nanoparticles (including in situ), can catalyze the reduction and the substitution in the aryl chlorides, as well as studying their catalytic capabilities for utilization of persistent organic pollutants - polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) - and the preparation on their basis precursors for electro polymers;
- Investigation of copper catalyzed C-C and C-N cross-couplings, including the reactions in an aqueous medium.
