ADHOC 2005 in Cologne: The Latest in Dioxygen Activation and Homogeneous Catalytic Oxidation

摘要

The selective functionalization of hydrocarbons is one of the most important challenges of chemistry and is of great interest for the purposes of basic research and technology. Homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic processes are being pursued worldwide as potential solutions to this problem. The mechanisms of oxidation reactions remain among the most puzzling issues in chemistry. To gain better insight, model systems with well-defined active sites are being developed, while with the aid of kinetic measurements, sophisticated isotope-labeling experiments, molecular probes, and especially computational chemistry, structure-activity relationships can be discussed and current proposed mechanisms can be either supported or rejected. Naturally, there is an intense interest in new oxidation reactions and catalysts as well as in novel applications of oxidation chemistry. All of this was the subject of the 9th International Symposium of Activation of Dioxygen and Homogeneous Catalytic Oxidation (ADHOC) in Cologne, Germany, which was organized for over 200 participants from industry and academia by Albrecht Berkessel (University of Cologne) and Henrique Teles (BASF, Germany).