Project description
Redefining catalysis with main-group chemistry
While transition-metal catalysis is a cornerstone of modern industry, it is often limited by toxicity and the high cost of precious metals. The ERC-funded RadicalCAT project is shifting the paradigm by developing sustainable catalysts based on p-block elements. The project’s core innovation lies in the use of radical frustrated Lewis pairs. It uses electron paramagnetic resonance and flow chemistry to build a practical ‘reactivity map’ for these compounds. The strategy is scalable to expand functional-group compatibility and lower production costs in the pharmaceutical and materials sectors. RadicalCAT is demonstrating that with the right approach, main-group chemistry can outperform traditional catalysts while meeting the strict sustainability demands of modern science.
Objective
Can the use of d-block elements be circumvented in catalysis?
The knowledge base of chemical transformations involving transition metal species is vast. Indeed, the versatility of transition metals has rendered them indispensable for a substantial number of transformations. Yet, the corresponding reactivity of compounds derived from the p-block elements is much less studied. However, in the last two decades, a number of advancements has inspired a renaissance in the chemistry of the p-block particularly in the realm of catalytic transformations. With commercial interest in main group catalysts stemming from reduced purification costs, potential lower toxicity, different functional group tolerances or alternative selectivity, there has been a drive to develop new p-block systems for synthesis and catalysis.
In this project I aim to deepen the understanding of radical frustrated Lewis pairs, and to develop catalytic protocols for the synthesis of useful compounds. Alongside this I will develop flow and flow electrochemistry as enabling tools in main group chemistry to address current challenges in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. Overall, this work will cover both fundamental and applications-driven research, demonstrating a diversity of chemical transformations of the p-block elements as well as the use of enabling technologies including flow chemistry, electrochemistry, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Collectively, the work packages (WPs) described herein will illustrate new strategies in synthesis and novel reactivity that will lead to a deeper understanding and applicability of these elements. Indeed, the discovery of new synthetic methodologies is crucial for developing novel compounds leading to new pharmaceutical leads, resulting in economic and societal benefits. The work outlined in this ERC proposal will further the resurgence of p-block chemistry providing fresh insights into both organic and main group chemistry.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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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.
CF10 3AT CARDIFF
United Kingdom
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.