Our research is focused on the chemistry of environmentally abundant, non-toxic main-group elements (e.g. silicon and phosphorus). This ranges from purely fundamental studies (such as the synthesis of elusive small molecules and reactive intermediates), to more applied fields (catalysis and materials science).
The common feature to all of our research is that it involves the synthesis of previously unknown molecules and solids. We are interested in compounds of the main-group elements in unusual oxidation states, p-block species exhibiting multiple bonds, main-group clusters and transition-metal organometallic compounds. We are particularly fascinated by molecules that defy conventional rules for bonding and that exhibit unusual reactivity.