5 - Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Current Research Areas
scientific challenges in the field of catalysis. It is this factor which distinguishes
research in Mülheim/Ruhr from related activities at universities. Indeed, the
organizational concept of the Institute fosters an atmosphere conducive to scientific
cross-fertilization and various kinds of synergisms. Traditional "gaps" between
homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis as well as biocatalysis are losing
significance, and specific links between the Departments have developed. Moreover, a
number of collaborations between the Institute and university groups are in operation,
leading to significant scientific output as well as efficient use of instruments. Finally, a
four-semester cycle of lectures for the doctoral students and post-docs of the Institute
has been initiated which covers homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis,
theory, and aspects of chemical engineering, thereby contributing to the unique nature
of the Institute.
Specific projects in the experimentally oriented Departments include unusual kinds of
achiral and chiral ligands, novel solid materials displaying specific functional
properties, catalytic reactions using small organic molecules, such as proline, as
catalysts, and directed evolution of selective enzymes for use in organic chemistry.
Much emphasis is also placed on advancements in methodologies. Examples include the
development of atom-economical strategies for catalysis-based syntheses of complex
natural products and biologically interesting compounds, the implementation of
environmentally benign one- and two-phase solvent systems for catalytic reactions, the
creation of combinatorial techniques in catalysis, and the establishment of ways to study
the details of how solid materials actually form from solutions of relevant precursors.
The results of many of these studies are expected to stimulate further research in actual
catalyst design. The development of theoretical methods in quantum mechanics and
molecular modeling in the Theory Department is also of prime importance, not only for
extending the scope of computational methodology, but also for specific applications in
homogeneous transition metal catalysis and biocatalysis.
In summary, the Institute has been organized to meet the needs for concerted
interdisciplinary catalysis research from a fundamental point of view. Its objective is to
carry out basic research to the point where industry and/or institutions dedicated to
applied science can take over.
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