Transition Metal Catalysis

For the investigation of paramagnetic, chiral metal catalysts (M = Co, Cr, Mn) we utilize a combination of multinuclear NMR experiments, including dynamic NMR spectroscopy and diffusion-edited spectra. In the case of Jacobsen-type Co salen complexes, we were able to show that -for the range of temperatures relevant for catalysis- electron spin configuration of the metal changes between low spin and high spin state. This is of special importance for substrate activation and enantioselectivity during hydolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of epoxides.

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131(12), 4172-4173.

Other projects involve the systematic investigation of the contributions of single metal sites in cooperative catalysis: For the latter, with especially developed model systems, based on a rational design of the ligand environment, e.g. the mechanism of phosphate ester hydrolysis by Zn-containing enzymes can be studied.