The Morris Group -
June 2013
University of Toronto researchers have developed a series of
techniques to create a variety of very active iron-based catalysts necessary to
produce certain compounds used in the drug and perfume industry. The new
synthetic methods promise to be safer, more economical and more environmentally
friendly than traditional industrial processes.
The research takes advantage of Earth’s extensive supply of
iron – the fifth most abundant naturally occurring metal – substituting it in
place of the rare elements of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum
traditionally used in the design of the catalysts. The result is an
exceptionally efficient class of iron complexes whose abilities rival and even
surpass those of conventional industrial catalysts.