Seminar Dr Nicolas Queyriaux

Dr Nicolas QUEYRIAUX

LCC, team N

“Activation of Small Molecules: Molecular and Electrochemical Tools“

The activation of small molecules is a key feature playing a major role in many catalytic processes of current significance, from the generation and use of alternative fuels (CO₂, H₂) to the remediation of atmospheric pollutants (N₂O) and the development of new, energy-efficient industrial processes (N₂). Increased bond polarization through “push-pull” effects or decreased bond strength via modification of the electron population of frontier orbitals are common molecular strategies to access activated small molecules and ease their further reactivities.

In this presentation, a number of molecular and electrochemical systems for activating small molecules will be presented. Particular emphasis will be placed on (i) the preparation and reactivities of molybdenum polyhydride complexes and (ii) the electrochemical behaviour of molecularly pre-activated nitrous oxide.