Final Report Summary - SOLCAT (Shedding light on catalyst systems for a brighter future with green oxidation chemistry)
The program involved five distinct but synergistic research lines aimed at expanding the repertoire of selective methods available for catalytic organic oxidative functional group transformations with the key goal of sustainability in chemical synthesis through atom efficiency and selectivity. Furthermore, a systems approach was taken in mechanistic studies where understanding the role(s) played by each reaction component involved, including metals, ligands, oxidant, solvent, additives, substrates and product(s), was central. The development of new techniques and approaches to mechanistic studies and reaction monitoring, including Raman detection in flow reactors and UV Raman spectroscopy was integral. The major success of the program was the development of new methodolgies for selective oxidation of alkenes to epoxides, syn-diols and beta-amino- an hydroxy aldehydes of importance in both bulk fine chemical production and synthetic chemistry. This success was built upon through mechanistic studies which highlight novel modes of action that had not earlier been considered and provide an excellent starting point for further catalyst discovery and development.