Keywords:
- Homogeneous catalysis
- Organometallics
- Ruthenium
- Pi-arene metal complexes
Expertise:
We are studying Ru(η6-arene)Ln complexes as catalysts. Binding of arenes to Ru increases their reactivity towards several processes (SNAr, C–H activation, Trifluoromethylation etc.). However, the Ru–(η6-arene) bond is strong and a stoichiometric amount of Ru is required. Our goal is to develop systems in which the rate of arene dissociation/exchange is matched with the rate of arene reactivity, leading to a catalytic cycle. This is achieved through choice of ligand, Ln, and incorporation of tethers, lowering the activation barrier for dissociation.