The Nolan Group

Our group develops novel organometallic complexes capable of mediating homogeneous catalytic reactions. We investigate fundamental complex properties such as bond energies, structural properties as well as steric and electronic ligand characteristics in order to design more efficient/robust catalytic systems.

Our recent investigations of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands have lead to numerous discoveries in the areas of ruthenium-mediated olefin metathesis, palladium catalysed C-C and C-N bond forming reactions, iridium-mediated hydrogenation, copper-catalysed reduction of ketones, gold-mediated transformations as well as catalytic uses of NHCs as organocatalysts. We are intrigued by and explore the potential of NHCs in homogeneous catalysis.