Sustainable Organometallic Chemistry

Cluster

Chemistry (C)

Description

The research activity is focused on the synthesis of ruthenium complexes and other transition metals and their use as catalysts for the hydrogenation, the formation of C-H, C-C, C-N, C-O bonds and the oxidation of organic compounds, with particular regard to the synthesis of fine chemicals, including natural chiral products. Particular attention is aimed to the development of new catalysts and to the study of the reaction mechanisms via NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.

Furthermore, the research is devoted to the environmental sustainability, through the improvement of traditional transformations and the development of innovative and advanced procedures (photochemistry and mechanochemistry) with lower environmental impact (non-toxic reagents and solvents, neat conditions, use of room temperature).

These studies have resulted in industrial applications and patents.

Research subjects

Hydrogenation catalyzed by ruthenium complexes
Stereoselective synthesis of molecules of biological relevance (flavors, optically active pesticides)
Ruthenium catalysts for the hydrogenation of lignocellulosic biomass derivatives
Water-soluble organometallic Ru complexes with anti-tumor activity
Selective catalytic oxidation with advanced techniques with lower environmental impact
Catalytic degradation of persistent organic pollutants in liquid waste using Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)

ERC panels

PE4_2 Spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques
PE4_3 Molecular architecture and Structure
PE4_10 Heterogeneous catalysis
PE4_12 Chemical reactions: mechanisms, dynamics, kinetics and catalytic reactions
PE4_13 Theoretical and computational chemistry
PE4_18 Environment chemistry
PE5_9 Coordination chemistry
PE5_13 Homogeneous catalysis
PE5_17 Organic chemistry