Scientists from St Petersburg University develop an "infinitely active" catalyst
Chemists from St Petersburg University have developed an organic catalyst whose activity remains virtually unaffected by the presence of other reactants. This catalyst mimics a metal complex system without actually containing metal.
Chemical science is continuously seeking new ways to optimise production processes, making them more efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. One of the key approaches to achieving this is utilization of catalysts — substances that accelerate chemical reactions. Traditionally, metal complex systems containing platinum, palladium, or ruthenium have been used for this purpose due to their high thermal stability, catalytic efficiency, and corrosion resistance.
The research findings are published in the scientific journal Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry.
In recent years, organocatalysts — catalysts composed solely of organic compounds — have garnered growing interest from scientists. They are now applied across a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to polymer production. For instance, organocatalysts play a key role in asymmetric synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and the development of biodegradable plastics.
Organocatalysts are molecules composed exclusively of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and other non-metallic elements. They accelerate chemical reactions, offering unique properties that are unavailable to traditional metal complex systems. Their key advantages include: economic benefits; environmental safety; high selectivity; and reusability.
Scientists from St Petersburg University are at the forefront of organocatalysis research. Recently, they investigated the reactivity of organic catalysts based on tellurium and iodine. They also discovered a novel environmentally friendly binary catalytic system.
A team of the University’s scientists, led by Dmitrii Bolotin, Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at St Petersburg University, has developed a unique class of organocatalysts that mimic metal complex systems. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to activate reaction substrates under conditions where metal complex catalysts remain inactive.
"Any chemical system, whether a catalyst, solution, or gas mixture, consists of multiple components. For a catalyst to effectively accelerate a reaction, it must selectively interact with a specific substrate in the mixture. However, if a catalyst binds to unwanted components, its activity may decrease or even be lost entirely. Metal complexes form strong coordination bonds with reaction components, including inhibitory species, which can impair their function. Our catalyst forms weak interactions with all participants in the process, meaning its activity remains largely unaffected by compounds that inhibit metal-based analogues," explained Alexandra Sysoeva, the main author of the study and Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Organic Chemistry at St Petersburg University.
According to Dmitrii Bolotin, Head of the University’s team of scientists, transitioning the chemical industry to organic components represents a major step forward. These new catalytic systems will enable more environmentally friendly, cost-effective production while ensuring high selectivity — i.e., bonding. Further advancements in this field promise even more efficient and versatile catalysts capable of addressing complex scientific and technological challenges.
St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, was founded on 28 January (8 February) 1724. This is the day when Peter the Great issued a decree establishing the University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, St Petersburg University is an internationally recognised centre for education, research and culture. In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrated its 300th anniversary.
The plan of events during the celebration of the anniversary of the University was approved at the meeting of the Organising Committee for the celebration of St Petersburg University’s 300th anniversary. The meeting was chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Among the events are: the naming of a minor planet in honour of St Petersburg University; the issuance of bank cards with a special design; and the branding of the aircraft of the Rossiya Airlines to name just a few. To mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, a postage stamp depicting the Twelve Collegia building and the monument to Count Sergey Uvarov was issued. Also, a Soyuz rocket bearing the symbols of the University was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
By the decision of the Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, 2024 was a year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University in St Petersburg. On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary torches were lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags were raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport was decorated with the University’s symbols. During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University acted as a participating venue. Additionally, the University launched a website dedicated to the anniversary. The website contains information about outstanding University staff, students, and alumni; scientific achievements; and details of events held as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the University.