Schoenebeck Research Group
Homogeneous catalysis
Homogeneous catalysis lies at the heart of modern chemistry, providing the molecular precision needed to build complex molecules and power sustainable innovation. Precise control over the speciation of metal catalysts is key to tuning their reactivity and selectivity. By exploiting the unique synergy of multimetallic species and rare oxidation states, our team uncovers fundamentally new catalytic reactivities. We have built a long-standing program centered on multinuclear catalysis, with a particular focus on Pd(I) and Ni(I) dimers.
Selected publications.
Unlocking uncharted
chemical space.
Venturing into unexplored chemical space often unlocks entirely new molecular functions. However, to make these molecules frequently requires the invention of new synthetic strategies. Our team develops innovative synthetic methods and has recently pioneered the first routes to NCF3 and NCF2H carbonyl compounds and numerous closely related compound classes.
Selected publications.
Organogermanes.
Our group has recently unlocked the unique reactivity of organogermanes across both C(sp²) and C(sp³) frameworks, pioneering the first synthetic strategies that enable selective and orthogonal functionalization of the organogermanium motif, even in the presence of more traditional coupling partners. Their stability, non-toxicity and ease of use make organogermanes a highly promising platform for modular synthesis and next-generation molecular design.
Recent highlights.
Mechanistic Studies &
Computational Chemistry.
Solving the most pressing challenges in synthesis and catalysis begins with understanding chemistry at the molecular level. Our research combines experimental innovation with cutting-edge computational chemistry, using tools that span from quantum mechanics to molecular dynamics. This integrated approach allows us not only to uncover the fundamental origins of chemical phenomena but also to design catalysts and solutions before doing experiments.
Selected publications.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 15081.
Machine Learning &
Enabling Tools.
We integrate a diverse range of technologies to overcome mechanistic and synthetic challenges and push the frontiers of chemistry. Our approach combines artificial intelligence for accelerated catalyst discovery with advanced experimental methods, including flow chemistry, electrochemistry, and photochemistry. Machine learning empowers us to uncover patterns invisible to the human eye, speeding up discovery, improving efficiency and opening new frontiers in catalysis and synthesis.