The goal of our group
NOVEL STRATEGIES FOR GREENER ORGANIC SYNTHESIS
We develop novel strategies for efficient organic synthesis in accordance with the principles of circular chemistry. It is the goal of our group to face up to our self-inflicted problems (pollution) and provide means to create methods for both generating greener production of valuable chemicals and degradation of organic compounds. Although these two ideas seem contradictory, a chemist only sees them as complex organic reactions that require a colorful imagination and a steadfast determination to succeed. How can we stand toe to toe with such a mammoth problem?
Vitamin B12 catalysis
Vitamin B12 biological applications
Photochemistry
Photocatalysis at interfaces
It is the goal of our lab to create 'greener' methodologies for the production of valuable chemicals.
To address current sustainability issues of the chemical industry, we need to develop alternative technologies to eliminate environmentally damaging chemicals and by-products. This can only be achieved by taking inspiration from the Nature as 'what works' is based on its 3.8 billion years of evolution. Nature constructs and decomposes complex molecules with the help of enzymes as catalysts and light as the ultimate energy source. However, despite fundamental benefits of enzymes, their industrial application can be limited by their availability, instability towards certain conditions, cost etc.
Our lab develops catalytic methods that mimic efficiency characteristic for enzymes by combining the robust nature of simple nature-derived catalysts with light as the source of energy.
In particular, we have already developed multiple chemical transformations based on photochemical reactions of porphyrins and vitamin B12 as catalysts.
For more information see our publications page
SUN LIGHT – UNLIMITED SOURCE OF ENERGY
Photochemistry provides paths to reactive intermediates that are often inaccessible by any other means. We are involved in designing light-induced transformations giving access to highly functionalized building blocks.Read moreNATURE AS AN UNLIMITED SOURCE OF INSPIRATIONS
We develop catalytic methods that mimic the properties of enzymes by combining the robust nature of simple chemical substances with the high selectivity, specificity and speed. For this purpose we employ vitamin B12 as a stable, natural cobalt complex.Read more
