Research Projects

Transition metals are commonly used catalysts due to their efficiency in bond activation and ability to change oxidation states during reactions. However, they can be costly and toxic, leading to the search for cheaper and environmentally friendly main group metals. These metals have been used in hydrogenation, hydroamination, hydroboration, hydrosilylation, and polymerization reactions. However, their highly reactive nature often leads to uncontrolled side reactions, limiting their application. Dehalohydrogenation is an effective method for inactivating halogenated wastes, including pharmaceutical, personal care products, fire retardant, and agrochemical waste. Research is ongoing to develop efficient strategies for dehalodeuteration, which can enhance drug molecules' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties. Traditional methods of dehalohydrogenation and deuteration mainly involve transition metal catalysts and noxious chemicals. This project aims to design cheap alkaline earth metal-based catalysts (Mg, Ca, Sr) featuring a ligand with both redox active and inactive parts (phenalenyl moiety and pyridine/acridine). The phenalenyl moiety will generate aryl radicals, while the pyridine or acridine moiety will activate H-H bonds in cooperation with the metal. The catalysts will be used for dehalohydrogenation, with hydrogen (H₂) serving as a low-cost and environmentally benign source. The strategy will be expanded to activate D₂ for dehalodeuteration.