Cooperative Reactivity
The activation of inert molecules and their synthetic utilization is a major challenge in current chemical research. Establishing fundamental concepts for the activation and transformation of small molecules like dihydrogen is an important purpose. Considering the abundance of silicon, the second most common element of the Earth`s crust, the design of a metal-free, silicon-based bond activation concept will definitely be a worthwhile and pioneering undertaking.
| Place of research | University of Regensburg |
| Association | Elite Graduate Program „Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis“ |
| Project duration | 2018 to 2023 |
| Group leader | Dr. Jonathan Bauer Contact the group leader |
Developing Methods in Silicon-Ligand Cooperation
The research group "Cooperative Reactivity" is located at the interface of fundamental and applied science. The challenge of the research project will be the linkage of two molecular units with complementary reactivity within a silicon-oxygen framework, in a way that both reactivity centers retain their chemical independence (frustration) but are still able to “communicate” with each other (cooperation).
The Junior Research Group program, supported by the Free State of Bavaria, is a sign of quality. It is definitely among the best support programs in Germany at this stage of career.
Dr. Jonathan Bauer
Theoretical aspects concerning structure, stereoelectronic properties, reactivity, cooperativity, and frustration as a function of different electronic and chemical influences on silicon centers will be studied. In addition, new methodological approaches in the synthesis of main group element compounds will be addressed, with a focus on silicon chemistry.
Cooperative Reactivity for Bond Activation
Another focus of the research program is dedicated to studying bond activation. It will be investigated whether these frustrated, zwitterionic compounds feature transition-metal-like chemical behavior and if they are able to activate small molecules or bonds in organic substrates, leading to new solutions for sustainable transformations.
The research group cooperates with the Elite Graduate Program „Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis“ at the University Regensburg.
Further cooperations
| Kyushu University | Fukuoka, Japan |
| Technion - Israel Institute of Technology | Haifa, Israel |
| Technische Universität München | München, Deutschland |
| Universität Augsburg | Augsburg, Deutschland |
| Universität Bielefeld | Bielefeld, Deutschland |
| Universität des Saarlandes | Saarbrücken, Deutschland |
| University of California | Berkeley, USA |
| Weizmann Institute of Science | Rehovot, Israel |