Sustainable synthetic methodologies in homogeneous catalysis

The course introduces homogeneous catalytic methodologies as greener alternatives to conventional chemical synthesis. It explores key topics including fundamental principles of homogeneous catalysis, incorporating elements from organometallic chemistry, while also highlighting industrially relevant applications.
More specifically the aim of the course is:
- To introduce students to the principle of green chemistry and sustainability.
- To introduce students to the principles of homogeneous catalysis and its significance in sustainable chemical synthesis.
- To explore various types of homogeneous catalysts, including non-noble metal catalysts, and their applications in organic transformations.
- To analyze the key factors influencing the sustainability of synthetic methodologies in homogeneous catalysis, including the use of alternative solvents, catalyst recovery methods and energy sources.
- To investigate emerging trends and advancements in the field, such as biphasic catalysis, use of abundant metals, use of renewable feedstock and their importance in industrial chemistry.
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for designing sustainable synthetic routes using homogeneous catalysis.

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of green chemistry and the role of catalysis in the development of sustainable synthetic processes.
2. Describe the fundamental concepts of homogeneous catalysis and its role in sustainable synthesis, including the use of non-noble metal catalysts.
3. Identify different classes of homogeneous catalysts, alternative solvents, advanced catalyst separation techniques and energy sources and evaluate their applications in specific organic transformations.
4. Evaluate the environmental impact of homogeneous catalysis in synthetic methodologies based on factors such as atom economy, selectivity, activity.
5. Critically analyze research articles and case studies related to sustainable synthetic methodologies in homogeneous catalysis, biphasic catalysis, and the importance of these techniques in industrial chemistry.