Ateneo - UPO

Homogeneous catalysis: metal-based homogeneous catalysis.Organocatalysis and biocatalysis.Stereoselective homogeneous catalysis
Heterogeneous catalysis: general concepts. Examples of industrial interest with emphasis on environmental issues. Nature of the active sites of the catalyst, physico-chemical characterization and mode of action.

Notes prepared by the professor.
Catalysis, An Integrated Textbook for Students, U. Hanefeld, L. Lefferts, Wiley-VCH 2018, ISBN 978-3-527-34159-7
Principles and Practice of Heterogeneous Catalysis. J. M.Thomas, W. J. Thomas; Wiley-VCH

Knowledge of the main catalytic systems operating in homogeneous phase, their mechanisms of action and their applications to the development of sustainable industrial processes.
Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the following topics: definition of heterogeneous catalysis and catalyst, rates of chemical reactions and related theories, physi- and chemisorption processes, implications of heterogeneous catalysis in modern industry, characterization techniques in heterogeneous catalysis.

Knowledge of basic concepts of organic, inorganic, coordination chemistry and of thermodynamic and kinetic.

Frontal lessons in the classroom with projection of slides and films. The teaching material (pdf file) used during the lessons will be available on the DIR platform.

Oral examination. The exam will be based on oral discussion to verify the learning of the topics covered in class. 6 questions will be asked about the course program to assess learning ability and understanding

Introduction to catalysis. Definition of catalyst and catalyzed reaction. Types of catalysis: homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic.
1)Metal-based homogeneous catalysis. Introduction: coordination chemistry concepts. Elementary steps in metal-based systems. Industrial application of metal-based homogeneous catalysis. Stereoselectivity in the metal-based homogeneous catalysis.
2)Organocatalysis. Acids: Brønsted, Lewis, chiral. Base/nucleophilic catalysis. Iminium/enamine. Phase Transfer Catalysis. Stereoselectivity in organocatalysis. Biocatalysis.
3) Heterogeneous catalysis: Materials for heterogeneous catalysis: crystalline and amorphous solids. Nature and reactivity of the surface of a heterogeneous catalyst: catalytically active sites, their dispersion and accessibility. Classifications of heterogeneous catalysts: supported metals, porous materials and organic-inorganic hybrids. Fundamental aspects of chemical and physical adsorption at the interface: Langmuir-Hinselwood and Eley-Redeal models. Concepts of activity, selectivity, yield, atom economy, E-factor, turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) of a catalytic process.
4) Synthetic methods and characterization techniques of heterogeneous catalysts. Examples and case studies of processes catalyzed by acids, bases, metals and heterogeneous organometallic complexes. Hints to the catalyzed biomass transformation for the production of platform molecules and green fuels.

Applying knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the basic principles of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, the main types of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and understanding of their mechanism of action.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to select the correct type of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst for specific chemical reactions. Ability to identify and solve problems involving chemical processes using the tools of catalysis.
Autonomy of judgment: ability to evaluate the effect of a catalyst on the performance of a chemical reaction. Ability to critically analyze elements related to catalysis by highlighting the solutions that catalysis provides to real and complex problems.
Communication skills: ability to express concepts, mechanisms of action and results related to catalysis problems, correctly and concisely and employing appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning skills: Ability to independently find information related to homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis from texts, scientific literature and databases. Ability to use teaching material for critical and reasoned study, including for later autonomy and acquisition of higher knowledge.