4th Small Molecule Activation Conference

Many essential natural processes and systems are based on the making and breaking of small molecules, consisting only of a few atoms. They are formed and consumed, for instance, as part of element cycles, and thus representatives like O2, N2 and CO2 form the constituents of the air we breathe, while compounds like methane and NO are generated under anaerobic conditions. Other examples are not only natural products and substrates but are prepared on large scales in industrial processes, such as H2, CO and NH3. Hence, small molecules are ubiquitous and comparatively inexpensive. In consequence it is highly desirable to utilize them as synthons for the synthesis of value-added products and fine chemicals. The challenge here is the fact, that small molecules, such as those mentioned, are at the same time thermodynamically and/or kinetically quite stable, which is of course also the basis for their high abundance. For instance, CO2 is the most stable of all carbon compounds and N2 contains the strongest of all chemical bonds. O2 bears a lot of redox potential but a high kinetic barrier prohibits reactions with organic molecules under moderate conditions in a controlled, selective fashion. Hence, the key for the transformation and utilization of small molecules lies in their appropriate activation by suitable metal or element sites that may be part of molecular compounds, enzymes or surfaces.

This conference highlights strategies, principles and applications concerning small molecule activation. It covers the whole range from inorganic, organic or organometallic to biochemistry chemistry, from catalytic systems (homogeneous, heterogeneous or biological) via mechanistic experimental and theoretical work to new elemental reactions that may be based on complex or ligand design, are biomimetic or surface-inspired.

Key Sessions

• H2 Activation
• N2 Activation
• NxOy Activation
• O2 Activation
• H2O2 Activation
• Reactive NxHy Species
• COx Chemistry 
• CxHy Conversion