Organometallic Chemistry Laboratory

The research work conducted in our laboratory concerns the catalysts for the Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) of heterocyclic monomers based on main group metal complexes, as well as the main group metal complexes with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs).

With regard to the former we are mainly interested in group 13 and 14 metal alkoxides – catalysts for the ROP of cyclic esters leading to the formation of biodegradable polyesters, especially in the stereoselective catalysts for the ROP of lactide.  Notably, while our research has shown that gallium alkoxides with NHCs are highly active and stereoselective catalysts for the ROP of lactide, little is known about main group metal alkoxides or the aryloxides stabilized with N-heterocyclic carbenes. Thus, our current research work concerning group 13 and 14 metal alkoxides and aryloxides with NHCs focuses on the explanation of the role of NHC, as well as the character of the M–C(NHC) bond; on their structure and properties, including catalytic properties.

With regard to our studies on catalysts offering new possibilities of the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters, it should be noted that such polymers are of great interest due to their wide range of applications, including in medicine. In the course of our research, we develop synthetic methods and determine the structure of model metal alkoxides, as well as investigate the catalytic properties and application of selected catalysts in the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters. Determining the relationship between the structure of investigated complexes and their catalytic properties is a crucial part of our studies. We consider this approach especially important from the point of view of the synthesis of polyesters of desired structure and properties.