The metal mediated functionalisation of dinitrogen at ambient conditions is a longstanding goal in homogeneous catalysis. Although considerable progress has been made recently in N2 activation by early transition metals these complexes could not be implemented in catalytic conversions, so far. On the other hand, work of efficient N2 activation by late transition metals is scarce despite of interesting reactivities of these metals bound to pi-donor ligands.
However our calculations have pointed out that certain complex fragments of the platinum metals should stabilize pi-bound N2 ligands, key intermediates in N2 functionalization.
The goal of the project will be the design and synthesis of metalorganic complexes of the platinum metals that are suitable for the stabilization of multiply bound pi-donors and examine their reactivity and their potential in small molecule activation (e.g. N2).
Our group is funded by the DFG through the Emmy-Noether Programm. Adjunct to the group of Prof. Dr. W. A. Herrmann we participate in the excellent synthetic equipment and analytical facilities of the Inorganic Institute of TUM, e.g., NMR, EPR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies, state-of-the-art GC-MS, X-ray diffraction, thermal and elemental analyses. The successful applicant will be trained in the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive organometallic compounds and their use in catalysis and mechanistic studies. The call is open until positions are filled.

For applications please contact Dr. Sven Schneider http://aci.anorg.chemie.tu-muenchen.de/people/people.php?id=101