Most reactions set-up in the lab fail. This is one of the biggest problems chemists face when designing transition metal-catalyzed transformations [1]. Moreover, the translation of scientifically well-established reactions to “real-world” applications often does not lead to the desired products [2]. This striking situation prompts two key questions: Why do reactions fail? Can failed reactions be used to trigger a paradigm-shift in reaction design?<br/>My group aims to answer these questions placing fundamental understanding at the center of process design. We use mechanistic studies as a powerful tool to facilitate the bottom-up design of more efficient chemical processes [3]. My research program is based on simple, yet usually overlooked, concept: chemical reactions rely on the performance of the reactive intermediates within the catalytic cycles. By capturing these transient species and using them as “knowledge building blocks” (KBBs), we expose the obstacles hindering transition metal-catalyzed transformations efficiency and capitalize on the gathered fundamental knowledge to streamline more resource-efficient transformations (Figure 1). As a proof-of-concept, my group focuses in C–H functionalization reactions catalyzed by abundant first-row metals [4].

Deciphering mechanisms to design better catalytic reactions

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.