Titanium, Zirconium and Hafnium Hydroelementation Catalysts

Amines and phosphines are organic molecules used in every aspect of modern chemistry. Nonetheless, synthetic protocols for the preparation of valuable asymmetric compounds are limited. The project aims at developing atom- and cost-efficient catalysts that will enable the convenient syntheses of these fundamental chemicals. We will develop catalysts based on titanium, zirconium and hafnium, three abundant, inexpensive and non-toxic metals. They will mediate the transformation of common olefins into new asymmetric amines and phosphines by catalyzing 100% atom-efficient hydroamination and hydrophosphination reactions. The high reactivity of these metals is expected to produce versatile catalysts that will outperform state-of-the-art systems. The project will eventually deliver access to a broad range of heterofunctionalized amines and phosphines that can be used by many as organic reagents or as stabilizing components in organometallic chemistry. The partners in St John’s and in Rennes will benefit from this work to consolidate a new collaboration and to position themselves as key players in a dynamic field of research, yet hardly explored in Canada and in France.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christopher Kozak

Student:

Partner:

Université de Rennes 1

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: