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Bimetallic Complexes for the Activation and Catalytic Functionalisation of Vinylic C-H Bonds

Project description

Greener organic chemical synthesis

Transforming simple chemical compounds like ethylene into valuable products in a sustainable way is a long-standing goal in green chemistry. One promising route involves the functionalisation of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds which are found everywhere in organic molecules but are usually very stable and unreactive. A catalyst can modify the C-H bond and add a functional group. However, olefins such as ethylene bind too strongly to the catalyst which prevents the C-H bond from being modified. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Bim-CH-Act project aims to overcome this issue by designing novel bimetallic catalysts that combine metals like iron and aluminium. Researchers will apply these catalysts to develop new synthetic pathways in polymer manufacturing.

Objective

The catalytic and selective functionalisation of C–H bonds of organic molecules is a key enabling technology that has the potential to contribute to the sustainable production of commodity chemicals. This proposal targets the selective catalytic functionalisation of vinylic C–H bonds of unactivated olefins (e.g. ethylene, propylene) with novel heterometallic complexes based on abundant and inexpensive elements (e.g. Fe, Al or Ga). Despite appearing simple, this transformation is unprecedented. With nearly all systems studied to date, competitive π-coordination of the olefin to the metal site inhibits catalytic C–H functionalisation. In this project, the cooperativity between two adjacent metals will be used to create new mechanistic pathways that circumvent this issue. The proposal is divided into three distinct work packages focussing on (i) the development of new heterometallic complexes, (ii) their application in stoichiometric vinylic C–H activation and (iii) establishment of catalytic turnover for C–H functionalisation of unactivated olefins. Ultimately the new understanding and new methodology will be applied to the production of vinyl-alkoxysilanes, high-demand and industrial relevant polymer building blocks, from C–H functionalisation of ethylene. Successful realisation of this proposal will provide the fellow with additional know-how in bimetallic chemistry, C–H activation, and catalysis, expanding his skill set beyond his expertise in organometallic and main group chemistry. Additional experience and training in aspects of leadership, teaching and management will complement the fellow’s education to a degree of professional maturity, making him highly competitive for independent funding and positions in academia.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 260 347,92
Address
SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD
SW7 2AZ LONDON
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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