Project description
Computational framework for advanced nickel ligand design
Chemical synthesis using nickel catalysts currently relies on slow, trial-and-error screening because scientists do not fully understand how specific components, known as ligands, govern reaction outcomes. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PCoM-RaDeDiNiCa project aims to transform this empirical guesswork into a predictive science. By combining advanced computer simulations with machine learning, the project will create a digital framework to map the fundamental mechanisms of complex chemical reactions. Key objectives include uncovering how catalysts control product selectivity and developing tools for the rational design of new ligands. Ultimately, this project may establish a new paradigm, providing researchers with the principles needed to accelerate efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.
Objective
"DiNiCa (Divergent Nickel Catalysis) represents a major frontier in chemical synthesis, offering the potential to generate multiple, distinct products from identical starting materials simply by changing the ancillary ligand on a Nickel catalyst. While experimentally powerful, this approach is severely limited by a lack of fundamental mechanistic understanding, forcing catalyst development to rely on empirical, trial-and-error screening. The central knowledge gap is the unelucidated electronic role of the directing ligand, many of which are ""non-innocent"", in controlling reaction selectivity.
The PCoM-RaDeDiNiCa (Predictive Computational Modelling for the Rational Design of Divergent Nickel Catalysis) project will address this challenge by employing a state-of-the-art, multi-scale computational workflow that integrates deep mechanistic investigation with data-driven machine learning (ML). This project will deliver the first comprehensive theoretical investigation into the origins of selectivity in DiNiCa, combined with a novel predictive framework. By integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT) with advanced multireference methods and machine learning, we will construct a robust and predictive mechanistic model.
The primary objectives are: 1) to elucidate the complete catalytic cycle and origin of regioselectivity for a key C-C coupling reaction; 2) to unravel the mechanistic basis of enantioselectivity in a challenging hydroamination reaction; and 3) to develop a predictive machine learning model for catalyst selectivity and apply it to the rational in silico design of new, high-performance ligands.
By transforming the understanding of these systems from an empirical art to a predictive science, PCoM-RaDeDiNiCa will establish a new paradigm of rational catalyst design. The outcomes will provide the experimental community with a powerful predictive tool and design principles, accelerating the development of more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes with"
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 inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS
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.