Homogeneous Catalysis

Our research aims towards the invention of new strategies for the development of “perfect chemical reactions” that combine quantitative yields and high atom economy, while avoiding toxic solvents, protecting group strategies, extreme temperatures, or inert gas atmosphere. We approach this ultimate goal by using selective catalysis based on small organic molecules. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that these organocatalysts can be as efficient and selective as the more commonly used metal-based catalysts, leading to a rapid growth of this field of research all around the globe. As a result of our ongoing investigations, our group was the first to demonstrate the concept of asymmetric counteranion-directed catalysis (ACDC) in 2005. Further investigations target the application of organocatalytic reactions in the synthesis of drugs and natural products.

Research Topics:

We explore small-molecule amines as asymmetric catalysts for carbonyl transformations. “Asymmetric Aminocatalysis” functions by activating carbonyl compounds as iminium ions and enamines using a catalytic amount of an amine. Our strategy complements.... [more]
Due to the vast number of reactions that can be catalyzed by Brønsted acids, a core area of our research focuses on the development and application of chiral organic Brønsted acids for asymmetric counteranion-directed catalysis (ACDC). To date...
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To date, the field of Lewis acid catalysis has been dominated by (transition) metal chemistry. To provide purely organic counterparts to these traditional catalytic systems we are dedicated to the synthesis and identification of organic Lewis acids. In 2009, we demonstrated that our chiral disulfonimides (DSI) are not only excellent Brønsted acids, but form strong Lewis acids upon silylation. [more]
Prof. Benjamin List stands beside his newly unveiled bust at the Max Planck Society in Munich.

A Bust for Benjamin List

March 18, 2024

Nobel Laureate from Mülheim is honored by the Max Planck Society. more

Following her own footsteps: Berfin Göker.

Berfin Göker is training as a chemical laboratory assistant at our institute. more

Prof. Benjamin List and his team are working on strong acids as catalysts.

List group publishes their results with “Nature” more

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Katalyse für die Welt

Video February 27, 2020

Katalyse für die Welt more

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