Functional Catenes and Rotaxnes - The mechanical bond as a design element for the development of novel catalysts

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jochen Niemeyer
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 339235880

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), such as catenanes and rotaxanes, offer unique possibilities for the generation of novel catalysts. Within this research project, we propose an in-depth investigation of three specific features: a) The development of MIMs for cooperative catalysis, especially for combined transition-metal and organocatalysis, b) the use of MIMs for the generation of sterically demanding catalysts and c) the application of mechanically or topologically chiral MIMs in catalysis. This represents a further development of our earlier research in this area and will establish the mechanical bond as a new design-element in catalyst-development.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants