Exploiting Transition-Metal-Free Nitrogen Activation for Organic and Inorganic Synthesis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Holger Braunschweig
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 494871290

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to useful products using molecular species has been a major goal of inorganic chemistry for decades. Our recent development of N2 activation and functionalization at a main-group species, a dicoordinate borylene, has opened the possibility of a transition-metal free alternative for nitrogen conversion. Our initial N2 activation reactions, which produce bisborylene-N2 and -N4 adducts have provided a number of novel nitrogen-containing species that suggest a potentially vast landscape of further chemical conversions. This project envisages a focused exploration of the synthetic possibilities opened by our borylene-mediated N2 activation, towards targets of application-based and fundamental interest.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants