Catalysis and Biocatalysis

Chemical catalysis is a key element in the development of sustainable processes since through the use of efficient and selective catalysts more efficient and productive syntheses can be achieved limiting the formation of secondary waste products.

In this context, the Institute is engaged both in the design and synthesis of new organocatalysts, small organic molecules whose mechanism of action is often biomimetic, and of new chiral ligands capable of carrying out their catalytic action in the form of compounds of coordinations (complexes) with different metals.

At the same time, the institute boasts many years of experience in the development of enzyme-mediated processes for the synthesis of complex stereochemical molecules and for obtaining products of pharmaceutical, agrochemical or food interest. The study of biotransformations in aqueous systems, in organic solvents but also in unconventional media, as well as the use of enzymes in immobilized form, are of current and growing interest for their direct application in the development of industrial processes with low environmental impact.