Beneficiary 1 (Coordinator)

Utrecht University (UU)
Organic Chemistry and Catalysis Group

Established in 1636, Utrecht University (UU, www.uu.nl) has evolved into a leading modern research university with a growing international reputation. On the 2013 Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (www.arwu.org), UU ranked first in the Netherlands, 13th in Europe and a shared 52th place in the world. With nearly 30,000 students and 8,500 employees divided over 7 faculties, Utrecht University spans the entire spectrum of academic research and education. With some 4,600 students and 2,100 employees, Utrecht University’s Faculty of Science has become established as one of the largest – and most important – scientific institutions in the Netherlands. One of its research focal points is Sustainability, which include research in the field of catalysis. Research activities in catalysis are institutionalized within the Catalysis Centre Utrecht (http://www.inorganic-chemistry-and-catalysis.eu/catalysis-centre-utrecht.html), which combines research efforts in the broader fields of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.
The Organic Chemistry and Catalysis group at Utrecht University (www.uu.nl/science/occ) is involved in the development of homogeneous catalysts for the use in organic synthesis and chemical manufacturing. The group has extensive expertise in the development of organometallic catalysts, bio-inspired non-heme iron chemistry, and homogeneous catalyst immobilization. Recent efforts within the group also focus on the catalytic conversion of biomass. The group has ample experience in non-heme iron chemistry, i.e. ligand development, metal complex synthesis and characterization, optimization for homogeneous catalysis. Examples include the development of the Bis(AlkylImidazolyl)Propionate (BAIP) ligand family for the development of ‘2His-1-Carboxylic acid’ facial triad enzyme models, of chiral dendritic amine ligands for Fe-mediated epoxidations, of catalytic protocols for the Fe-mediated cleavage of olefins to aldehydes and carboxylic acids, and of catalytic protocols for stereospecific hydroxylation reactions using racemic Fe-catalysts.

NoNoMeCat Projects

Principal Investigators: Prof. Dr. Bert Klein Gebbink and Dr. Marc-Etienne Moret