HOMOGENEOUS AND HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS

• The students will carry out synthesis and characterization in solution and solid state of ligands and organometallics or the coordination compounds of transition metals. They will use these species for the preparation of catalysts based on supported molecular species and in the design of materials as well defined heterogeneous catalysts.
  The synthesis will involve the use of preparative methods in an inert atmosphere with vacuum techniques. The characterization will be based on spectroscopic techniques applicable to solution and solid state. In particular, the preparation of the catalytic materials will aim for the characterization of structure and surface and their subsequent application as a support for metallic phases.
  With the new molecular or solid state species prepared, students will carry out tests of catalytic behaviour in different organic processes demanding a high level of selectivity. The catalytic results will be valued through chromatographic techniques, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.
  
  RECOMMENDED READING
  J. A. Moulin, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen, R. A. van Santen, eds. 1999. "Catalysis. An integrated approach". Elsevier, 2nd Edition.
  B. Cornils, W.A. Herrmann, eds. 2002. "Applied Homogeneous Catalysis with Organometallic Compounds". VCH, Vol