Research Projects

Recently, N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) have attracted a lot of attention owing to their strong σ-donation ability and have found application in various catalytic applications. Most of them are strong σ-donors, but lack the π-acceptor properties. Hence, we envisioned preparing a cyclic alkyl amino olefin (CAAO), which can have a combination of σ-donors and π-acceptor properties, as cyclic alkyl amino carbenes (CAACs) have proven to be an outstanding ligand due to their combined nucleophilic and electrophilic abilities. CAACs have already shown unusual properties and applications, leading to several new research fields. Hence, this project is designed to seek the exploration of CAAO as a multipurpose ligand tool, including stabilising the highly reactive low valent group 13-15 elements species as well as utilising it as an organocatalyst for transforming small molecular species to several value-added compounds. CAAO is expected to display a combination of σ-donors and π-acceptor properties, leading to several new fundamental aspects in coordination and organometallic chemistry.