Organometallic Chemistry

Dr Andrew Swarts | Andrew.Swarts@wits.ac.za | Google Scholar

Organometallic chemistry focuses on the development of organometallic complexes as (de)hydrogenation catalysts. Research focuses on Ni(II) salts in combination with bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine ligands and ammonia borane, for the transfer hydrogenation of heterocyclic compounds, nitriles and alkenes. Exploratory work is also being conducted on Mn(I) carbonyls with Schiff base ligands, capable of acting as liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), for the (de)hydrogenation of organic compounds. Mn(I) carbonyls are being explored as potential electrochemically-driven water oxidation catalysts.