Development of a practical formate/bicarbonate energy system.

Liquid (organic) hydrogen carriers ([18H]-dibenzyltoluene, MeOH, formic acid, etc.) form a toolbox for the storage and transport of green hydrogen, which is crucial for the implementation of renewable energy technologies. Simple organic salts have been scarcely investigated for this purpose, despite many advantages such as low cost and minor toxicity, as well as easy handling.

Highly (regio)selective hydroformylation of olefins using self-assembling phosphines.

New phosphines with self-assembling 6-pyridinone moities were prepared, characterized, and examined in the hydroformylation of diverse olefins. Testing various known and novel ligands in the presence of [Rh(acac)(CO)] under industrially relevant conditions, the hydroformylation of 1-octene proceeds best with 6,6'-(phenylphosphanediyl)bis(pyridin-2(1)-one) (DPONP). Control experiments and modelling studies indicate dimerization of this ligand at higher temperatures (>100 °C).

Towards "homeopathic" palladium-catalysed alkoxycarbonylation of aliphatic and aromatic olefins.

Palladium-catalysed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes allows for atom-efficient synthesis of esters from easily available alkenes in an industrially viable manner. One of the major costs associated with this process is the consumption of the catalyst system. Hence, for economic and ecologic reasons it is desirable to minimize the amount of metal and ligands wherever possible.

Efficient Synthesis of Novel Plasticizers by Direct Palladium-Catalyzed Di- or Multi-carbonylations.

Diesters are of fundamental importance in the chemical industry and are used for many applications, e.g. as plasticizers, surfactants, emulsifiers, and lubricants.

A practical concept for catalytic carbonylations using carbon dioxide.

The rise of CO in atmosphere is considered as the major reason for global warming. Therefore, CO utilization has attracted more and more attention. Among those, using CO as C1-feedstock for the chemical industry provides a solution.