Division of Organic Chemistry

Research Profile

     

Prof. dr. ir. Romano Orru             Prof. dr. Koop Lammertsma

 

Organic and Organometallic Chemistry

Professor Lammertsma researches new synthetic methods, reagents and catalysts, and develops reactive intermediates aimed at the sustainable use of chemicals. The mechanistic understanding of reactions and catalytic processes is pursued experimentally and computationally. The fundamental research focuses on (a) developing a spectrum of organophosphorus reagents as enabling tools in organic syntheses, (b) advancing organometallic complexes for asymmetric catalysis and metathesis, (c) synthesizing and understanding the mode of operation of (non-)natural peptides and metalloenzymes, and (d) create silicates as chiral organic anions. His work has led to the uncovering of new synthetic building blocks, the development of new classes of organometallic complexes for catalytic purposes, and is providing detailed insights into the complex functioning of metalloenzymes.

The following subgroups are associated with this chair:
Dr. Andreas Ehlers: Transition Metal and Computational Chemistry;
Dr. Chris Slootweg: Main Group and Organometallic Chemistry;
Dr. Frans de Kanter: Scientific Director NMR Facilities.

Synthetic and Bio-organic Chemistry

Professor Orru's main interest is the development of highly efficient, asymmetric synthetic methodologies and their application to the synthesis of diverse, biologically relevant compounds, with an emphasis on atom and resource efficiency. Three main areas of interest can be distinguished: (a) Rational design and development of flexible novel multicomponent reactions (MCRs); (b) Use of biocatalysts for the production of enantiopure building blocks for MCR; (c) Development of asymmetric versions of MCRs and related processes using biocatalysis and/or homogeneous catalysis. His efforts in this area have resulted in the development of several novel MCRs furnishing valuable heterocycles. Another goal is the integration of the group’s successes in MCR chemistry and biocatalysis in approaches towards the total synthesis of complex natural products.

The following subgroups are associated with this chair:
Dr. Eelco Ruijter: Molecular Diversity and Complexity;
Dr. Frans de Kanter: Scientific Director NMR Facilities.

Detailed information can be found in the department's latest progress report.