Experimental Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Reactions

The aim of the project is to improve catalytic systems using the knowledge obtained through modern mechanistic methodologies.
To collect the data for the mechanistic studies, we will use modern reaction monitoring tools, such as flow probe NMR and ReactIR, as well as use autosamplers for off-line monitoring. The data obtained will be analysed by kinetic analyses based on the examination of entire reaction profiles, such as the recently developed Variable Time Normalization Analysis (VTNA).
The information obtained through the mechanistic studies will be used to improve the chemical reactions in terms of turnover frequencies, turnover numbers and reduction of starting material required. We envision that some of the improvements will require a controlled addition profile during the course of the reaction of one or more reaction components: substrates, catalyst or additives.
Relevant EPSRC research areas to the project: Catalysis, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Reaction Dynamics and Mechanisms, Control Engineering. Research Themes: Physical Sciences and Manufacturing the future.