Selective Alkaline Earth-centred Activation of Inert Bonds and Substrates

The University of Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change is inviting applications for the following PhD project which is part of a joint PhD programme between the University of Bath and Monash University in Australia. 

This project is one of a number that are in competition for up to two funded studentships. 

 Home institution: Monash University

Supervisor(s) at Bath: Prof Michael Hill

Supervisor(s) at Monash: Prof Cameron Jones

Although the activation and reduction of commodity small molecules underpins many of the chemical transformations vital for the maintenance of human society, a majority of large-scale processes continue to be based around the use of precious metals of the heavier d-block (e.g. Pd, Pt, Ir). The development of new reagents and catalysts derived from more earth-abundant metals and non-toxic metals has, thus, been recognized as a vital undertaking. The ecologically benign and inexpensive alkaline elements of groups 1 and 2 fulfil many of these requirements, and the  Jones (Monash) and Hill (Bath) groups are among the pioneers in catalysis, and the catalytically relevant activation of small molecule substrates, using normal and low oxidation state reagents derived from alkaline earth metals (e.g. magnesium, calcium).1,2 Both groups have previously reported a variety of transformations leading to the productive activation of the thermodynamically robust bonds of the industrially relevant small molecules H2,3 benzene,4 and CO.5 Although more recent advances have shown that the even more challenging N≡N triple bond yields to reduction by putative Ca(I) intermediates,6 the area is still in its infancy and ripe for further elaboration.

In his project, the development of molecular group 2 reagents capable of the most challenging bond (C-H, C-C, N2) activation processes and their onward transformation to useful products will be addressed. To achieve this, a variety of organometallic, hydrido and low oxidation state derivatives of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba will be stabilised. The reactivity of these new species will be assayed toward relevant small molecules under both thermal and photochemically activated conditions. Any new transformations, which will be assessed computationally through DFT methods, by Prof. L. Maron (University of Toulouse), who has a strong history of collaboration with both the Bath and Monash research groups.

To apply:

We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies. 

You may express an interest in up to three projects in order of preference. 

Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.

If this is your preferred project, please fill out the Monash Expression of Interest form.

Studentship eligibility

Funding for Monash-based projects, such as the one advertised here, is available to candidates of any nationality. 

Please see the Monash website for a full list of projects where Monash is the Home institution.