Catalysis in Organic Chemistry
Researchers in this field conduct world-leading research into new selective reaction methods. Using different catalysts, reactions are developed that contribute to the production of medicine, for example.
The research covers the development of catalysts based on both organometallic compounds and biological enzymes. New reaction methods are developed for precise control over what chemical substances are created. Computer models and theoretical chemistry are important components of this research, both for predicting what reactions may occur, and for modifying the catalysts.
One of the starting points in this research is that many chemical substances exist in two "mirror images" with different properties – much like a right and a left hand are similar, yet different. A successful field of research has been the development of catalysts based on palladium and other transition metals for so-called asymmetric synthesis, for making sure that only one molecule of the possible mirror images is created. Such reactions are of interest to the production of medicine, for example. Biological catalysts in the form of various enzymes are also studied and produced using biotechnical methods.
This research can provide effective and selective reaction methods that are valuable in many industrial processes. A major research project on mild oxidation methods, which aims to mimic nature's way of transforming substances in several reaction steps using low energy, is funded by the European Research Council. Research on catalysts and porous materials is conducted at the Berzelii centre EXSELENT, with long-term funding from the Swedish Research Council and VINNOVA. Other research funds come from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Web editor:
Paul Parker
Last updated:
November 23, 2011
Source: Communications Office
