Manganese catalysed oxidations with hydrogen peroxide. Applications and mechanistic insights

PhD ceremony: Ms. P. Saisaha, 12.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Manganese catalysed oxidations with hydrogen peroxide. Applications and mechanistic insights

Promotor(s): prof. B.L. Feringa

Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences

The central aim of the research described in this thesis was to develop new environmentally and economically sustainable methods for the selective oxidation of organic compounds, especially the cis-dihydroxylation and epoxidation of alkenes, the oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes and selective C-H activation.

The key challenge was to carry out these reactions using a simple manganese catalyst and hydrogen peroxide. A major advance was made very early in the research project with the discovery of a completely new catalyst concept with immediate applications in the research laboratory and for industrial applications and which was subsequently patented together with industrial project partners. The main focus of the PhD work was to unravel how this catalyst system works and to provide key insights that allow for even wider applications in the future.