Doktoranden

Smolka, Björn
Mc. Sc., Doktorand (Seit Januar 2025)
Raum: CRC 4008
Tel: (089) 289 54112
E-Mail: bjoern.smolka(at)tum.de

Büchele, Yogi
M. Sc., Doktorand (Seit Dezember 2021)
(Development of new tetra-dentate NHC ligand systems for medicinal chemistry and oxidation catalysis)
Raum CRC 4008
Tel: (089) 289 54112
Email yogi.buechele(at)tum.de
My research focuses on the synthesis of new tetra-dentate-NHC ligand systems with modified electronic properties for medicinal chemistry and oxidation catalysis. In addition, my work includes the synthesis and characterization of several transition-metal compounds (group 10/11) bearing the newly developed NHC ligands as well as the investigation of their application in medicinal chemistry and oxidation catalysis.

Latzel, Stefan
M. Sc., Doktorand (Seit August 2024)
Raum: CRC 4006
Tel.: (089) 289 54111
E-Mail: stefan.latzel@tum.de
Multidentate Iron-NHC Complexes in Homogeneous Catalysis
Iron-based complexes play a crucial role in homogeneous catalysis, with particular emphasis on the use of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. NHCs are highly versatile due to their strong σ-donor properties, which enhance the stability and reactivity of metal complexes. Iron, being abundant, cost-effective, and environmentally benign, presents an attractive alternative to precious metals commonly used in catalytic processes. By designing new multidentate iron-NHC complexes, my research aims to develop new catalysts for various homogeneous catalytic processes, like epoxidation or C-H activation.
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8556-4072

Esslinger, Carla
geb. Hoefer, M. Sc., Doktorandin (Seit November 2022)
Raum: CRC 4006
Tel.: (089) 289 54111
E-Mail: carla.esslinger@tum.de
Macrocyclic NHC Iron Complexes in Homogeneous Catalysis
In light of the growing demand of sustainable syntheses and emphasized significance of nontoxic chemicals, the use of iron in homogeneous catalysis is desirable and becoming more relevant. Advantageous is the highly variable electron configuration of complexed iron, tunable by the ligand field. N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) allow customized modification of the electronic and steric properties. The respective catalysts are stabilized by multidentate ligands, mimicking heme, to conveniently control the predominantly octahedral coordination sphere around the iron metal center, pivotal in catalysis. My research comprises the synthesis of macrocyclic multidentate NHC iron complexes and their application in various catalytic processes like aziridination, epoxidation and CO2 reduction. DFT calculations support the prediction and interpretation of catalytic activity.
List of Publications:
[1] T. P. Schlachta, G. G. Zámbó, M. J. Sauer, I. Rüter, C. A. Hoefer, S. Demeshko, F. Meyer, F. E. Kühn, J. Catal. 2023, 426, 234-246. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2023.07.018
[2] C. A. Hoefer, N. K. Dietl, G. G. Zámbó, T. P. Schlachta, R. M. Reich, F. E. Kühn, J. Organomet. Chem. 2024, 1006, 123018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2024.123018

Hoffmann, Melanie
M. Sc., Doktorandin (Seit Mai 2023)
Raum: CRC 4007
Tel.: (089) 289 54112
E-Mail: melanie.e.hoffmann(at)tum.de
Gold N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes, recognized for their remarkable toxicity against malignant cells, are being systematically modified with targeting compounds. The goal is to craft a selective "magic bullet" for anti-cancer therapy, potentially minimizing impact on healthy tissues.
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung Promotionsstipendiatin
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6854-0893

Mayr, Johannes
M. Sc., Doktorand (Seit Oktober 2022)
(Ruthenium based Hydrogenation Catalysis)
Raum: CRC 2010
Tel.: (089) 289 54203
E-Mail: j.mayr(at)tum.de
Transfer hydrogenation (TH) belongs to the most fundamental chemical reactions in biological systems and in chemical synthesis, with major application in fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Among the organoruthenium catalysts, which dominate the field of homogeneous TH catalysis, Ru(II) complexes with bifunctional phosphine−abnormal imidazolylidene ligands stand out due to their unmatched activity in TH of ketones as well as the reverse reaction – the Oppenauer-type oxidation. My work focuses on the investigation and further development of this catalytic system.

Zámbó, Greta
M. Sc., Doktorandin (Seit Dezember 2020)
(Iron-NHC Complexes in Catalysis)
Raum: CRC 2010
Tel.: (089) 289 54203
E-Mail: greta.zambo(at)tum.de
Oxidative catalysis of hydrocarbons often traces back to expensive or toxic noble metals. Iron as the most abundant transition metal in earth’s crust is a promising candidate to replace such metals in their application due to its low price, low toxicity and environmental benignity. The unique properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) provide a highly flexible ligand system for transition metal complexes, allowing for simple modification of steric and electronic parameters. My research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of cyclic and acyclic normal and mesoionic tetradentate NHC iron complexes and their application in epoxidation as well as in the challenging C–H activation catalysis.
[1] E.-M. H. J. Esslinger, J. F. Schlagintweit, G. G. Zámbó, A. M. Imhof, R. M. Reich, F. E. Kühn, Asian J. Org. Chem. 2021, 10, 2654. DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202100487
[2] G. G. Zámbó, J. F. Schlagintweit, R. M. Reich, F. E. Kühn, Catal. Sci. Technol. 2022, 12, 4940-4961. DOI: 10.1039/D2CY00127F
[3] G. G. Zámbó, J. Mayr, M. J. Sauer, T. P. Schlachta, R. M. Reich, F. E. Kühn, Dalton Trans. 2022, 51, 13591-13595. DOI: 10.1039/D2DT02561B
[4] T. P. Schlachta, G. G. Zámbó, M. J. Sauer, I. Rüter, C. A. Hoefer, S. Demeshko, F. Meyer, F. E. Kühn, J. Catal. 2023, 426, 234-246. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2023.07.018