Laboratory of Organometallic Synthesis

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Team leader: prof. dr hab. inż. Karol Grela

Team leader’s e-mail address: klgre@uw.edu.pl

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Brief description of the research topic:

Grela’s research group focuses on developing new catalysts for chemical reactions, including olefin metathesis, and their applications in organic synthesis. In the context of ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts, the Group introduced a number of new, specially designed NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene) and CAAC (cyclic alkylaminocarbene) ligands. These innovative catalysts exhibit high selectivity in challenging reactions, such as ethenolysis of oleic esters derived from biomass, cross-metathesis of α-olefins, and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions leading to macrocyclic compounds with a musky scent. In addition to designing new catalysts, Professor Grela’s team also investigates new substrates, solvents, scavengers, and conditions in various catalytic reactions. For example, they have developed an innovative reactive distillation technique for ring closing metathesis in the synthesis of macrocyclic musk compounds at high concentrations. Current research areas include designing new, user-friendly, immobilized, or “self-cleaning” catalysts and expanding their applications using flow techniques, microwave technology, or ultrasound. The group is also advancing the use of tandem transformations, such as metathesis-reduction, metathesis-oxidation, or metathesis-isomerization, to enhance the cost-effectiveness of chemical syntheses. In the context of sustainable synthesis and biomass valorization, Grela’s team is working on developing and implementing innovative green technology for the production of 9-decenoic acid and 1-decene from biomass, utilizing the ethenolysis process with next-generation metathesis catalysts. These products are key raw materials for manufacturing various polymers, paints, coatings, and surfactants. The research group, led by Professor Grela, consists of experienced scientists and students specializing in organic chemistry, catalysis, and material design.