Towards sustainable catalysis with main group and transition metal complexes ligated by polyfunctional pincer ligands
Dr. Josh Abbenseth
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Chemie
The Abbenseth group focuses on developing innovative strategies for activating small molecules to create catalytic processes that promote sustainable fine chemical production and energy conversion. The approach involves mimicking metal-like bonding behaviors in pnictogens by incorporating them into redox-active, rigid pincer ligands, resulting in T-shaped main group compounds.[1] This unique structural configuration enables oxidative addition reactions and element-ligand cooperativity, paving the way for new methods in sustainable C–E bond-forming catalysis, such as hydroamination. Moreover, the potential of these geometrically constrained pnictogens as ligands for transition metals is being explored.[2]
The redox-active nature of the ligand systems is also exploited in transition metal-mediated small molecule activation, with the aim of achieving challenging transformations, such as dinitrogen splitting and electrocatalytic ammonia oxidation.[3]
[1] Chem. Eur. J. 2023, 29, e202300818
[2] Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 6036–6043
[3] Chem. Eur. J. 2023, 29, e202203266; ChemRvix 2024, DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-5rjl7.