Iron complexes replace precious metals in alcohol and amine synthesis

According to the university, the new synthetic methods promise to be safer and more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional industrial processes.

The research replaces rare elements of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and platinum traditionally used in the design of hydrogenation catalysts with iron, Earth’s fifth most abundant metal.

The result is said to be an exceptionally efficient class of iron complexes whose abilities rival and even surpass those of conventional industrial catalysts.

‘There is a research effort world-wide to make chemical processes more sustainable and green by replacing the rare, expensive and potentially toxic elements used in hydrogenation, catalytic converters in cars, fuel cells for the efficient conversion of chemical energy into electricity, and silicone coatings, with abundant ions such as iron,’ said U of T chemistry professor Robert Morris, principal investigator of a study reported in the November 29 issue of Science. ‘Iron is about 10,000 times cheaper to obtain than ruthenium. And less than 200 metric tons of platinum-type metals are mined in the world every year, not all of it can be recycled after use, it is not essential to life, and it can be toxic.’