Doktoranden
Coelho, Ana Rita
M. Sc., Doktorandin (Seit Oktober 2025)
Raum: CRC 2010
Tel.: (089) 289 54203
E-Mail: anarita.coelho(at)tum.de
Molecular and Single-Atom Catalysis
Immobilization of molecular catalysts onto solid supports represents a promising strategy to bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, combining the high selectivity and tunability of molecular design with the practical advantages of catalyst recovery and recyclability. This project focuses on anchoring molecular catalysts onto different support materials, aiming to develop single-atom catalysts with maximized atom utilization while preserving the reactivity of the molecular catalyst.
This work is conducted in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP).
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
Latzel, Stefan
M. Sc., Doktorand (Seit August 2024)
Raum: CRC 4006
Tel.: (089) 289 54111
E-Mail: stefan.latzel(at)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
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.
Smolka, Björn
Mc. Sc., Doktorand (Seit Januar 2025)
Raum: CRC 4008
Tel: (089) 289 54113
E-Mail: bjoern.smolka(at)tum.de
Catalytic enantioselective epoxidation of alkenes represents an important transformation in modern organic synthesis, giving access to chiral epoxides, which serve as intermediates in the synthesis of agrochemicals, natural products and pharmaceuticals. Chiral iron(II) complexes have already shown excellent performance in the enantioselective epoxidation of functionalized alkenes, however, the transformation of unfunctionalized alkenes with iron-based catalysts remains underexplored. Studies propose that catalytic activity and stereoselectivity can be enhanced by increasing the electron density at the iron center via electron-rich ligands. Therefore, N‑heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are of particular interest due to their strong σ-donating properties, which enhance the stability of the complex and have been shown to outperform traditional N‑donor ligands in epoxidation reactions. My research aims at the development of chiral iron(II) NHC complexes and their application in enantioselective epoxidation of alkenes.
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2600-1565
Stifel, Simon
Mc. Sc., Doktorand (Seit März 2025)
Raum: CRC 4007
Tel: (089) 289 54112
E-Mail: simon.stifel(at)tum.de
In recent years, gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes have attracted considerable attention for their strong antiproliferative properties. While most studies have focused on imidazole-based NHCs, our work explores newer azole-derived carbene systems that are emerging with unique and promising features. My research aims to advance these ligand frameworks to design organometallic complexes with improved stability, activity, and selectivity. The goal is to develop next-generation metal-based compounds that could potentially offer more effective and targeted treatment options.
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5658-3110
List of Publications:
[1] S. Stifel, W. R. E. Büchele, L. F. Richter, C. Jandl, F. E. Kühn, J. Organomet. Chem. 2026, 1043, 123889. doi.org/10.1016/j.jorganchem.2025.123889
[2] F. Bannwart, L. F. Richter, S. Stifel, J. Rueter, H. N. Lode, J. D. G. Correia, F. E. Kühn, A. Prokop, J. Med. Chem. 2024, 67, 15494–15508. doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01117
Suylu, Ekrem
M. Sc., Doktorand (Seit November 2025)
Raum: CRC 4008
Tel.: (089) 289 54113
E-Mail: ekrem.suylu(at)tum.de
Transfer hydrogenation (TH) is a widely applied method in both industry and organic synthesis for the reduction of organic substrates without the direct use of molecular hydrogen. Here, Ruthenium-based catalysts have played a key role in this area, enabling high efficient transformation under comparatively mild conditions. In this context, my research focuses on the synthesis and investigation of new Ru(II) complexes bearing triazole-based ligands as a catalyst for TH.