Catalysis

We have long had an interest in the organometallic reaction mechanisms relevant to the activation of carbon monoxide, other C1 molecules, hydrocarbons, halocarbons etc. These studies are directed toward understanding key steps in homogeneous catalysis of chemical transformations, such as the carbonylations of organic substrates, that have major industrial importance. Applications of catalysis in utilizing carbon based feedstocks, such as coal, biomass, natural gas and petroleum, have long-term strategic importance. Understanding the fundamental mechanistic chemistry allows for objective designs of new catalytic processes to enhance specificity and activity for environmentally safer and energy efficient chemical transformations. At present our funding in these areas is from the Petroleum Research Fund, the University of California Energy Institute, and the NSF Center for Enabling New Technologies via Catalysis (CENTC).


Studies Relevant to the Catalytic Activation of Small Molecules
	We have long had an interest in the organometallic reaction mechanisms relevant to the activation of carbon monoxide, other C1 molecules, hydrocarbons, halocarbons etc. These studies are directed toward understanding key steps in homogeneous catalysis of chemical transformations, such as the carbonylations of organic substrates, that have major industrial importance. Applications of catalysis in utilizing carbon based feedstocks, such as coal, biomass, natural gas and petroleum, have long-term strategic importance. Understanding the fundamental mechanistic chemistry allows for objective designs of new catalytic processes to enhance specificity and activity for environmentally safer and energy efficient chemical transformations. At present our funding in these areas is from the Petroleum Research Fund, the University of California Energy Institute, and the NSF Center for Enabling New Technologies via Catalysis (CENTC).

Current projects include: 1) quantitative applications of time resolved IR and optical spectroscopy and fast kinetics methods to prepare and to interrogate short-lived intermediates in carbonylations and C-H activation. 2) Design and testing of new catalysts for biomass conversion, including: a) hydrogen production from carbohydrates b) seed oil conversion to biodiesel c) disassembly of lignocellulose. 3) Possible roles of metal nitrosyl complexes in the activation of dioxygen for the controlled oxidation of organic substrates.