PhD in coordination / organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis in Netherlands (Leiden University)

We are trying to locate a suitable candidate for the position of a Ph.D. student (Promovendus) Topic: Developing a chloride-free route to epoxy resins Epoxy resins are used in large quantities in the formulation of glues, paints and coatings. The present commercial epoxy resin production process (world epoxy resin production > 400 ktonnes/y) is based on non-catalytic salt chemistry and involves the co-production of large quantities of inorganic and organic chlorides, both in the formation of the intermediates allylchloride (AC) and epichlorohydrin (ECH), as well as in the formation of the final EPON 828 resin. Certain by-products formed in the process are extremely toxic for living organisms (e.g. for fish) and cannot easily be disposed off. Allyl ethers of phenolic alcohols potentially constitute important intermediates for halide-free routes to epoxy resins. The goal of the Ph. D. research is to develop homogeneous catalysts for the catalytic formation of allyl phenyl ethers from allyl alcohol and substituted diphenol (dehydrative allylation of phenols). Certain ruthenium cyclopentadienyl complexes with phosphine ligands have been found to be catalyst precursors for catalytic dehydrative allylation of alcohols. These complexes form a group of compounds in which several components may be varied to study the effect on the catalytic properties. Depending on the success of ether formation directly with allyl alcohol, and partly also in parallel, we will also have a look at Pd-catalysed allyl ether formation using allyl acetate as the allyl source. Initial model studies will be performed with phenol, p (t butyl)-phenol or p cresol; ultimately bisphenol A will be used as the substrate. The isolated coordination compounds and catalyst precursors will be characterized with standard techniques available in the laboratory, such as FT-IR, UV-Vis-NIR, NMR, electrochemistry, and with X-ray crystallography when appropriate. Candidates should have an MSc degree in chemistry or chemical technology, have a strong background in coordination / organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis and preferably have experience in the synthesis of phosphines. The project will be carried out in the group of dr E. Bouwman and prof.dr. E. Drent in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry. Appointment: Position will be for 4 years. A salary of 1.813,- per month (gross) in the first year, increasing to 2.283,- per month (gross) in the fourth year. Further information can be obtained from and letters of application can be sent to: Dr E. Bouwman, email: bouwman@chem.leidenuniv.nl phone 071-5274550 Please send your application to: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural sciences LIC section CBAC C/o dr. E. Bouwman P.O. Box 9502 2300 RA Leiden The Netherlands. Details at http://cbac.lic.gorlaeus.net/Home/FramesetHome.htm