Main research interests
Activation of small molecules with biological, pharmacological, environmental orindustrial interest or related ones [e.g., alkanes (functionalization under mild conditions), alkynes, phosphaalkynes, isocyanides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, dinitrogen, nitriles, cyanamides, nitric oxide, oximes, oxadiazolines, carboxamides, amidines, olefins, azides or cyanates] by metal centres, and their application in metal-mediated synthesis and catalysis, namely by searching for mimetic systems of biological processes (e.g. catalysed by peroxidases, particulate methane monooxygenase, nitrile hydratases and nitrogenases), alternatives for industrial processes and new types of molecular activation with significance in fine chemistry (including compounds with bioactivity). Also comprehending: non-covalent interactions in synthesis; crystal engineering of coordination compounds; self-assembly of polynuclear and supramolecular structures; transition metal and organometallic chemistries and catalysis in aqueous media; metal-ligand cooperation; high pressure gas reactions and catalysis in non-conventional media, such as supercritical fluids and ionic liquids; bioactive complexes; selective chemosensors of biological ions.