Dr Ben Ward http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38527-ward-benjamin is looking for a PhD student to work on the research project ’Asymmetric catalysis using environmentally benign calcium complexes’.
Research in the Ward group is concerned with the catalytic applications of main group and early transition metal organometallic and coordination complexes. The group has a particular interest in the development of new chiral catalysts based upon the alkaline earth, lanthanide, and early transition metals. Our research involves a significant amount of organic and inorganic syntheses, catalyst testing and optimisation, and mechanistic determination using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques and computational modelling methods.
The research specifically concentrates on the Alkaline Earth metals (magnesium, calcium and strontium) and the lanthanide metals.
•Preparation of new ligand environments for S-block and early transition metals
•Development of asymmetric catalytic reactions using alkaline earth and lanthanide metals
•Analysis of the coordination chemistry of alkaline earth and lanthanide metals when supported by chiral ligand environments
•Reaction mechanism determination using spectroscopic analysis of catalytic intermediates
One of our recent highlights has been the development of chiral calcium complexes for the asymmetric hydroamination of amino-olefins.[1,2] In our latest publications, we reported the highest enantioselectivity for this reaction when using calcium as an environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative to precious metal catalysts.[1]
One of the major challenges associated with the coordination complexes of calcium is their propensity to undergo ligands redistribution, or "Schlenk" equilibria. This is a significant problem in relation to their catalytic performance, and ligands need to be designed that are able to control or supress these processes.[2]
In order to achieve our aims in catalysis, a significant amount of effort is spent on the development of new chiral ligands: we have recently reported a general route to a class of N-functionalised ethylene diamines,[1] which can be employed either as ligands in their own right, or as precursors for preparing imidazoline ligands.[2]
Academic criteria
We require applicants to have a 2.2 BSc or equivalent to be considered for PhD study.
If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate
How to apply
To apply please complete the online application - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/chemistry and state the project title and supervisor name
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
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