PhD Position in Homogeneous Enantioselective Catalysis

This PhD position at the Institut des sciences chimiques de Rennes focuses on advancing sustainable chemical synthesis through enantioselective catalysis. The project aims to create a novel iron-based dual fer/photoredox catalytic system capable of converting (E)/(Z) alkene mixtures into single enantiomers, enabling greener synthetic pathways. The successful candidate will conduct organometallic synthesis, mechanistic studies, and photophysical investigations using advanced techniques like NMR, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The work will contribute to the field of non-toxic, abundant iron catalysis and photochemical synthesis of chiral molecules. The position is based in Rennes, France, within a dynamic research group specializing in sustainable catalysis.

• Synthesize iron-based organometallic compounds using Schlenk techniques and glovebox procedures under inert atmospheres.
• Develop and optimize enantioselective catalytic systems for selective allylic C-H functionalization.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms through stoichiometric studies, intermediate isolation, and kinetic analysis.
• Conduct photophysical studies to understand the role of light in the catalytic process.
• Characterize compounds and reaction intermediates using advanced techniques such as NMR, Mössbauer spectroscopy, UV-Vis, GC, HPLC, X-ray diffraction, fluorometry, and cyclic voltammetry.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research group to advance sustainable chemical synthesis methods.