Unit A
Coupled chemocatalytic reactions

The central objective is to elucidate the decisive parameters that control synergistic effects between two (or more) chemocatalytically active sites as a prerequisite for coupled catalytic transformations under mild reaction conditions.

We will explore new synthetic strategies for combining two or more catalytic active sites in a defined manner:

• Single atomic sites in solutions
• Supported on solids
• Arrays of deposited nanoparticles

Thus, we want to analyze whether precise control over spatial and temporal coupling of these sites makes it possible to switch on or off consecutive catalytic reactions which are otherwise hardly achievable.

For instance, cooperativity or communication between single atomic centers will be predetermined by distance control in dinuclear complexes of main-group elements or transition-metals.

Whereas closely spaced reactive sites may involve synergistic effects, increasing the separation might favor uncommon molecular coordination modes in bond activation, thereby enabling distinct consecutive reaction pathways and/or selectivities in coupled catalytic reactions.

Our Challenge

Design and control of the synergistic effects between two or more chemocatalytically active sites.