Synthesis and Catalysis

The main goal in this area of research is to discover efficient, practical, and environmentally friendly synthetic routes for the preparation of organic compounds that are beneficial to the society (e.g. pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, etc.). This broad area of research may involve one or more of the following topics: organic or organometallic synthesis design, reaction techniques, process chemistry, multiphase catalysis, green solvents, catalyst immobilization and/or recycling, and chromatographic separations. In addition, a variety of instrumental analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; X-ray crystallography) are used for structural identification of newly discovered compounds. A current topic is "green chemistry" and both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, as well as enzymatic reactions, feature prominently.