From extremely electron-rich phosphines to low-coordinated ambiphiles
Precious metal catalysts play a central role in numerous chemical processes. However, their use must be viewed critically in the context of sustainability efforts, as these elements are extremely rare and are obtained with great technical effort. We are developing catalysts based on main group elements, which represent a sustainable alternative to precious metal catalysts owing to their natural abundance in the Earth's crust. By leveraging strong substituent effects, we control the molecular properties of these catalysts for optimal perfomance. Current projects include the development of highly electron-rich phosphines, low-coordinate phosphorus compounds and ambiphilic compounds such as carbenes, nitrenes or geometrically strained systems.