Weak Interaction in Stabilized Silylcations

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thomas Müller
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 318856452

The activation of small molecules and less-reactive compounds in catalytic processes is one of the central tasks of modern synthetic chemistry. This task is of fundamental interest as well as of practical significance, in particular in view of central future challenges for society such as the organization of a forthcoming hydrogen economy or carbon dioxide conversion into organic materials. Purpose of the suggested research proposal is the synthesis of tailor-made silyl cationic compounds with exceptional but controlled reactivity. A molecular test system is suggested to identify, to establish and to test the parameters that allow efficient control over the reactivity of the silyl cationic compounds. These model systems will be applied as catalysts in several organic model reactions and in small molecule activation chemistry such as dihydrogen cleavage, carbon dioxide conversion or C-F bond activation. As a particular interesting feature, the suggested silyl cationic systems have the potential for chirality. Therefore, a major objective of this proposal is the generation and investigation of chiral silyl cations in an effort to combine their inherent high reactivity with enantioselective processes. The use of chiral silyl cations as efficient Lewis acid catalysts in organic transformations could have significant impact on enantioselective organic synthesis. Hereby milder reaction conditions would be favored and reactions of less reactive compounds would become feasible.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Yannick Landais