Catalyst-controlled selective C ? H activation

In the course of the energy transition and the conversion of chemical value chains to the use of renewable raw materials, ever more efficient and resource-saving synthesis methods are required. A key technology in this regard are so-called C ? H functionalizations, which convert simple carbon-hydrogen bonds directly into more complex structures. In principle, they enable synthesis routes to be shortened and waste products to be reduced. However, the problem is that organic molecules usually have a large number of C ? H bonds. While nature can achieve perfect selectivities, for example with cytochromes, the selective functionalization of individual C ? H bonds with non-biological catalysts is often difficult. In our research we are concerned with the development of novel catalysts and concepts in order to master this challenge and thus provide synthesis methods that are suitable for a more sustainable production of organic molecules. In this lecture selected examples of our research in this field will be presented.

Dr. Manuel van Gemmeren studied chemistry at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (diploma, 2010). He then joined Prof. Benjamin List's group at the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, where he completed his doctorate in 2014 (summa cum laude). He then did research as a Feodor Lynen fellow in the group of Prof. Rubén Martín at the ICIQ in Tarragona (Spain). Since 2016 he has headed an independent junior research group at the Organic Chemistry Institute of the WWU Münster, which is also affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion.