Research

Our research focuses on the organometallic chemistry of late transition metals, with a particular emphasis on applications in homogeneous catalysis. We investigate the structure, bonding, and reactivity of transition-metal complexes, combining these studies with mechanistic investigations to understand catalytic processes and guide development of more effective catalysts. Our experimental work benefits from excellent research facilities and infrastructure at the University of Warwick and we proactively collaborate with experts in computational chemistry to support and drive our research forward. Active lines of investigation:

Catalytic remediation and repurposing of nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Illustrative publications

Copper(I) Catalysed Diboron(4) Reduction of Nitrous Oxide. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202411692Link opens in a new window.

Shedding light on the copper-catalysed diboron(4) reduction of nitrous oxide. Catal. Sci. Technol. 2026, 16, 4744–4749Link opens in a new window.

Rhodium-catalysed hydrogenation of nitrous oxide. Catal. Sci. Technol. 2025, 15, 4126–4129Link opens in a new window.

In Crystallo Hydrogenation of Nitrous Oxide Using a Rhodium(II) Hydride Complex. Inorg. Chem. 2026, 65, 22233–22238Link opens in a new window.

Rhodium(I) Pincer Complexes of Nitrous Oxide. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 15295–15298Link opens in a new window.

Organometallic chemistry of late transition metal metalloradicals

Illustrative publications

Stability and C–H Bond Activation Reactions of Palladium(I) and Platinum(I) Metalloradicals: Carbon-to-Metal H-Atom Transfer and an Organometallic Radical Rebound Mechanism. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 14087–14100Link opens in a new window.

T-Shaped Palladium and Platinum {MNO}¹⁰ Nitrosyl Complexes. Inorg. Chem. 2024, 63, 1709–1713Link opens in a new window.

Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Boron and Antimony Nucleophiles via Palladium(I). Org. Lett. 2018, 20, 5537–5540Link opens in a new window.

Solvent dependent carbon-to-metal hydrogen atom transfer reactivity of a square planar rhodium(II) alkynyl complex. Organometallics 2026, 45, 892–901Link opens in a new window.

In Crystallo Hydrogenation of Nitrous Oxide Using a Rhodium(II) Hydride Complex. Inorg. Chem. 2026, 65, 22233–22238Link opens in a new window.

Supramolecular-inspired encapsulating and interlocked ligands

Illustrative publications

A Resorcin[4]arene-Based Phosphite-Phosphine Ligand for the Branched-Selective Hydroformylation of Alkyl Alkenes. ACS Catal. 2024, 14, 11803–11807Link opens in a new window.

Oxidative addition of a mechanically entrapped C(sp)–C(sp) bond to a rhodium(I) pincer complex. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 23500–23504Link opens in a new window.

Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions through a Ring: Mechanistic Insights and Regiochemical Switching. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 12003–12006Link opens in a new window.

Reactions of Rh(PNP) pincer complexes with terminal alkynes: homocoupling through a ring or not at all. Dalton Trans. 2020, 49, 16649–16652.Link opens in a new window.

Synthesis of a rhodium(III) dinitrogen complex using a calix[4]arene-based diphosphine ligand. Chem. Commun. 2023, 59, 2150–2152Link opens in a new window.

Highlights from previous research here. Full list of publications here.