Our Chemistry

Main group chemistry, also known as s-block and p-block chemistry, focuses on the properties and behavior of elements in the s and p blocks of the periodic table. In our group, we will mainly explore the chemistry of the p-block, including elements from groups 13 to 18. This branch of chemistry is essential for understanding the fundamental principles that govern the reactivity and bonding of non-transition metals. Main group elements can mimic transition metals, and efforts have focussed on harnessing main group elements' abilities to break strong bonds to enable new sustainable methodologies. Some of these main-group complexes are now widely used as catalysts and in small-molecule activation (e.g., H2, CO, CO2, etc.). Our research group will work on the interface of the main group and material chemistry to develop a new type of metal-free catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to yield methanol and other value-added commodities, activation and functionalization of N2, CO, and other greenhouse gases into more value-added organic molecules under mild conditions.