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Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Overview of HIMS research groups

Analytical Chemistry

The Analytical Chemistry Group focuses on the study of macromolecules, complex mixtures and the application of analytical chemistry to forensic science. It aims to advance science by creating novel or greatly improved possibilities for performing analytical measurements in general and analytical separations in particular.

Biocatalysis and Bio-organic Chemistry

The main objective of our group is the development of bioctalysts in synthetic organic chemistry as a "green" alternative for existing chemical procedures. We discover new enzymes, modify others and test their potential use in novel synthetic procedures.

Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry

Catalysis research at the HIMS spans a wide range of systems, from homogeneous reactions catalysed by supramolecular complexes, through bio-mimetic and organometallic catalysis in multiphase media, all the way to heterogeneous catalysis. The group combines strengths in organometallic synthesis, combinatorial chemistry, surface science and statistical modelling to discover and develop new catalysts for sustainable processes. In-depth mechanistic studies, backed by state-of-the-art analytical facilities, play a key role in the diverse research projects.

Computational Chemistry

The research in the Computational Chemistry group focuses on the development and application of molecular simulation methodology to obtain a better understanding of the behavior of materials that are of technological and scientific importance. In close collaboration with experimental groups we use computer simulation to observe and investigate the materials on a molecular scale. The scope of the research can be divided in several subtopics:

Homogeneous and Supramolecular Catalysis

The main objective of our research is the development of new catalytic processes. We try to achieve this by studying the relationship between the structure of the catalyst and its performance in catalysis. In addition to the well-known steric and electronic effects, we study the influence of the ligand geometry of the catalyst centre on the rate and selectivity of the reaction.

Molecular Inorganic Chemistry

In order to understand and extend the knowledge in catalysis, our research group is involved in synthetic chemistry on the borderline of organic and inorganic chemistry in an area that is called Organometallic Chemistry, the chemistry of metals surrounded by one or more organic groups.

Molecular Photonics

The interaction between light and matter is the leading theme of the research in Molecular Photonics. The general aim is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the molecular factors that control phenomena such as photoinduced energy and charge migration within complex systems that range from rigidly-bridged donor-acceptor structures to multichromophoric arrays, polymers, supramolecular systems, and molecular aggregates. This knowledge is employed to design, synthesize, and characterize novel, intelligent, molecular compounds with a priori determined (photo)responsive properties.

Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Research at the Synthetic Organic Chemistry (SOC) Group concerns the development of new synthetic methodology and the target-oriented synthesis of compounds of strategic relevance to biology or catalysis.