IRTG 2027 - New Trends in Molecular Activation and Catalysis

Basic data for this project

Description

The activation and selective transformation of chemical compounds, particularly of those molecules with limited reactivity, still constitutemajor challenges in current chemical research. Based on various approaches to meet these challenges in the past, chemical science has meanwhile advanced to a stage, where collaborative efforts by researchers from different subdisciplines enable the development of new methods for the activation and transformation of less-reactive substrates on the molecular level. Ten groups from the University of Münster and eight groups from the University of Toronto have teamed up to study such "New Trends in Molecular Activation and Catalysis". The joint research program comprises investigations of Frustrated-Lewis-Pairs (FLPs), the use of new catalysts derived from main-group elements as well as of catalysts containing recognition units for selected substrates and the evaluation of new pathways for the activation of C-H, C-C and C-X bonds. Quantum-chemical calculations will accompany the whole research program and are directed towards a better understanding of the interactions of substrate molecules with selected catalysts or activators and of the persistence of substrate-activator aggregates. Apart from striving for excellence in scientific research, a major thrust of the program is directed towards the development and implementation of novel and innovative methods in graduate student training with a special focus on international exposure of the graduate students.