Cluster: Integrale Konzepte der Katalyse (Teilbereich A 4)

Catalytic activation of ammonia and alkanes:
The Rhodium-catalyzed formation of aminoboranes will be coupled in a tandem reaction with a second process, such as an intra- or intermolecular hydroamination reaction. Both steps may be possible with the same Rh catalyst, but Ir catalysts might be more advantageous and will also be developed. In addition, we will pursuit the catalytic generation of olefins and H2 from alkanes as well as the catalytic derivatization of CH4. Both processes are based on a photo-chemical activation of an alkane by oxidative addition at Ir in a fluorinated solvent. Therefore, complexes which bear fluorinated alkyl chains have to be prepared in order to make the catalysts soluble. Methane can only be activated in a fluorinated phase, because otherwise a solvent activation would occur. In cooperation with the Driess group (TU Berlin) the synthesis of Ir complexes which feature a non-innocent ligand will be achieved. They might be able to induce new reaction pathways in the coordination sphere of the metal.