READHY · Reactivity of dinitrogen and hydrocarbons for C–N bond formation

Reactivity of dinitrogen and hydrocarbons for C–N bond formation

The activation and functionalisation of dinitrogen (N2) remains one of the most important and long-standing challenges in chemistry. Despite being the most abundant form of nitrogen in the atmosphere, its strong triple bond renders it chemically inert, requiring energy-intensive industrial processes such as the Haber–Bosch process for its conversion into ammonia. While highly successful, this process is associated with significant energy consumption and environmental impact, accounting for a substantial fraction of global CO2 emissions. In this context, the development of alternative strategies for the direct transformation of N2 into value-added chemical products under mild conditions represents a major scientific and technological goal. In particular, the formation of C–N bonds directly from dinitrogen and unactivated hydrocarbons would constitute a paradigm shift in synthetic chemistry, enabling more sustainable routes to nitrogen-containing organic molecules, which are essential in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. The READHY project is positioned within this global challenge and aims to contribute to the development of innovative catalytic systems capable of achieving this transformation. The project focuses on the design of iron-based catalysts supported by novel bifunctional diketiminate ligands, combining ligand engineering with advanced organometallic chemistry to promote N2 activation and subsequent functionalization. The overall objective of the project is to establish new catalytic pathways for the formation of C–N bonds directly from dinitrogen and hydrocarbons. This is pursued through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ligand design, synthesis of metal complexes, and mechanistic studies of bond activation processes. The project also explores alternative activation strategies, including the study of strong bond activation (such as C–H bonds) using related systems, providing complementary insights into reactivity and catalytic design. The project pathway to impact is based on the generation of fundamental knowledge that can enable future technological developments. By advancing the understanding of N2 activation and reactivity, the project lays the groundwork for the design of more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes. Although the outcomes at this stage are primarily fundamental, their long-term implications are significant, as they may contribute to reducing the reliance on energy-intensive industrial processes and support the transition towards greener chemical technologies. Within the broader European strategic context, the project aligns with key priorities related to sustainability, climate neutrality, and the development of environmentally friendly chemical processes. By targeting the efficient use of abundant resources such as atmospheric nitrogen and earth-abundant metals like iron, the project supports the objectives of reducing environmental impact and promoting resource-efficient technologies. The expected impact of the project is therefore twofold: in the short term, it contributes to advancing fundamental scientific knowledge in organometallic chemistry and catalysis; in the long term, it has the potential to influence the development of sustainable nitrogen conversion technologies with wide-ranging applications. Although the project is primarily rooted in chemistry, it also indirectly engages with broader societal and environmental challenges, particularly those related to energy consumption and sustainability. The development of alternative chemical processes with reduced environmental footprint contributes to addressing global challenges at the interface of science, technology, and society.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union