Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R17164/01
Title:	Novel Hdrocarbylmetal Complexes of Heterocyclic Carbenes
Principal Investigator:	Cavell, Professor K J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	Fast Stream
Starts:	01 August 2001	Ends:	31 July 2004	Value (£):	61,959
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Catalysis & Applied Catalysis
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Chemicals Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Conversion of hydrocarbon building blocks into speciality and fine chemicals is an important industrial goal. Environmental and economic constraints demand that conversions are carried out with high activity and selectivity, hence requiring the use of efficient catalysts. Recent developments in heterocyclic carbene chemistry appear to herald an exciting new era in homogeneous catalysis. However, we have identified a well-defined and facile decomposition pathway for hydrocarbyl-Pd and Ni carbene complexes. This decomposition reaction is particularly troubling considering that transition metal catalysed hydrocarbon conversion reactions are thought to proceed via hydrocarbyl metal intermediates. The proposed project will look at the extent and significance of the decomposition reaction and also at ways of preventing its occurrence. The role of the hydrocarbyl group and of the carbene ligand in controlling reaction pathways will be examined. A fundamental investigation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions will be undertaken to facilitate the generation of new highly efficient catalysts for a range of important industrial reactions. Concurrent with these investigations the proposed project will explore in detail the performance of novel carbene based complexes as catalysts for the production of speciality and fine chemicals.
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