Scientific Sessions

Organometallic catalysis is a vital branch of chemistry that involves the use of organometallic compounds those containing metal-carbon bonds as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions. This field lies at the intersection of inorganic and organic chemistry and plays a critical role in both academic research and industrial processes. Transition metals such as palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and nickel are commonly used due to their ability to facilitate bond formation and cleavage under relatively mild conditions. Organometallic catalysts have revolutionized synthetic chemistry by enabling highly efficient, selective, and sustainable transformations. Prominent examples include cross-coupling reactions (such as Suzuki, Heck, and Negishi couplings), olefin metathesis, and hydroformylation, all of which are widely employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, and fine chemicals.

The significance of organometallic catalysis extends beyond efficiency; it also addresses key challenges in green chemistry by reducing waste and energy consumption. Catalyst design has evolved to include ligands that provide greater control over reaction pathways and selectivity, making these systems more robust and versatile. Advances in this field have led to more sustainable synthetic routes, often replacing stoichiometric processes with catalytic alternatives. Research in organometallic catalysis continues to expand, focusing on developing earth-abundant metal catalysts, exploring asymmetric catalysis, and integrating catalytic systems into continuous flow processes. As the demand for cleaner and more economical chemical processes grows, organometallic catalysis remains a cornerstone of innovation, contributing significantly to modern science, technology, and industry.