Our goal is building unforeseen molecular edifices, mostly for applications in homogeneous catalysis. Our approach combines inorganic, organometallic and supramolecular chemistry. In particular, we design and synthesize unusual ligand scaffolds and explore their complexes with various transition metals.

Currently, our research focuses on the following types of ligands:

• Tunable positively charged ligands

Today’s known positively charged ligands are rare and limited to small and rigid molecular structures. Though few complexes are known, their affinity towards transition metals is usually unexpected. We wish to challenge this approach by preparing large and tunable positive ligands. We believe that such combinations between a metal center and a cationic ligand might open breaches into unexplored catalytic pathways.

• “Smart” ligands

These are ligands capable of ligand-metal cooperativity during a catalytic cycle. For instance, ligands which can change their character from electron withdrawing to electron donating and back “at will” upon protonation/deprotonation.

• Cavitand-based ligands

Cavitands are bowl-shaped molecules, some of which can exist in closed or open conformation, according to the environment. Coordinated to a metal core, cavitand-based ligands could act as gate keepers capable of controlling both the entrance and the departure of guest molecules, i.e. reaction substrates and products.

We welcome enthusiastic M.Sc, Ph.D, and Post-doctoral researchers, locals and foreighners, willing to take part in our adventure. We are also open to collaboration with other research groups worldwide.