D40 - Innovative Catalysis: New Processes and Selectivities

The main objective of the Action is to allow the attainment of new innovative C-H, C-O, C-C and C-Heteroatom bond forming processes, using metal-ligand approaches for the synthesis of organic compounds of biological, pharmacological and organic nanotechnological utility.

Secondary objectives

Specific aims for this Action are defined below. The methods for accomplishing these objectives are also defined in brackets. Scientific aspects of the programme indicating how these objectives are to be reached are dealt with in Section D.

(a) The Identification of new catalytic reactions and methodology. The Action will provide efficient chemo-, regio- or stereoselective methods for the synthesis of chemical intermediates by either single or multistep catalysis [Methods of achievement/measures of success: Formation of three task-specific working groups (WGs) in the area of C-H, C-O and C-X (X = C, heteroatom) bond forming reactions producing high-impact science and long-term interactions as judged by the exploitable knowledge generated].

(b) The identification of new reaction media, supports and approaches. New approaches to achieving selective catalysis should be achieved including: bi-phasic systems, use of non-classical solvents (scCO2, ionic liquids), and application of innovative reactors, applications of cascade and domino reactions. [Methods of achievement/measures of success: Integration of these approaches to the Action’s working groups as demonstrated by high-impact publications].

(c) Utilisation of new methodologies in target synthesis. The insight of groups involved in the target synthesis of bio-active molecules should be utilised to ensure new enabling catalytic technology is applied to ‘real’ synthetic problems as rapidly as possible, rather than relying on existing simple ‘model’ molecules. [Methods of achievement/measures of success: Involvement of at least one ‘target synthesis’ research group in each of the Action’s working groups].

(d) To improve utilisation of new methodologies in industrial environments. If European chemical industries are to remain globally competitive they must reduce the time taken to implement new emerging enabling catalytic methodologies developed within Europe. [Methods of achievement/measures of success: Each of the Action’s working groups will have one or two industrial members specifically integrated with them to promote technology transfer. The Action’s annual review meetings will be open to attendance of industrialists. The success of the objective may be quantified by the number of industrialists involved in the Action and their collaboration with academic partners].