The project aims at the implementation of early transition metals into chemical processes and catalysis. Focal research points are the reduction of catalyst loading in catalysis and the discovery of new modes of reactivity using environmentally benign metals, especially of group VI metals such as molybdenum and tungsten as well as group V metals e.g., vanadium, niobium and tantalum. To reach these goals goal we develop new N-heterocyclic and mesoionic carbene ligands with intriguing electronic and steric properties holding anionic tethers/anchors to ensure flexible, yet stable coordination of the carbene towards the early transition metal center.
