Scientists Reveal New Ruthenium Catalyst for Discovering and Optimizing Reactions
Researchers at The University of Manchester have unveiled a groundbreaking catalyst with wide-ranging applications that could revolutionize optimization processes in industry and drive new scientific discoveries.
Catalysts are essential for accelerating chemical reactions and are vital in the production of many manufactured goods. For example, polyethylene, a common plastic used in everyday items like bottles and containers, as well as in cars to convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful substances, relies on catalysts for its production.
Ruthenium, a platinum group metal, has emerged as a key catalyst in many processes. However, its high reactivity and cost-effectiveness have been hindered by its sensitivity to air, limiting its use to experts with specialized equipment. This limitation has prevented the widespread adoption of ruthenium catalysis across industries.
In a new study published in the journal Nature Chemistry, researchers at The University of Manchester, in collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, introduce a ruthenium catalyst that is stable in air over long periods while maintaining high reactivity, crucial for facilitating transformative chemical processes.
Scientists Reveal New Ruthenium Catalyst for Discovering and Optimizing
Lead author and Ph.D. student at The University of Manchester, Gillian McArthur, expressed excitement about the discovery, stating, “Our new ruthenium catalyst offers unparalleled reactivity while remaining stable in the air—a previously unattainable feat. It eliminates the need for specialized equipment or handling procedures, allowing simultaneous reactions, speeding up processes, and reducing waste.”
The catalyst’s ease of handling and versatility across various chemical transformations make it accessible to non-specialists, opening up new possibilities for ruthenium catalysis. Collaborative efforts with AstraZeneca demonstrate the catalyst’s potential in developing efficient and sustainable drug discovery and manufacturing processes.
Dr. James Douglas, Director of High-Throughput Experimentation at AstraZeneca, commented on the significance of the discovery for the biopharmaceutical industry, saying, “Catalysis is critical for AstraZeneca as we strive to develop and manufacture the next generation of medicines sustainably. This new catalyst is a valuable addition to our toolkit, and we are exploring its industrial applications.”
The catalyst has already led to the discovery of new reactions not previously reported with ruthenium. With its enhanced versatility and accessibility, researchers anticipate further advancements and innovations in the field of catalysis. More
