The Power of High-Throughput Experimentation in Homogeneous Catalysis Research for Fine Chemicals

The use of high-throughput experimentation (HTE) in homogeneous catalysis research for the production of fine chemicals is an important breakthrough. Whereas in the past stoichiometric chemistry was often preferred because of time-to-market constraints, HTE allows catalytic solutions to be found within a very short time frame. At the same time, a reliable process can be achieved because extensive imisation can be undertaken. We give examples of lead generation and optimisation, and of scope determination, based on our basic research program aimed at developing low-cost aromatic substitution reactions (C−H activation, Heck and Suzuki reactions). We also give an example of HTE in mechanistic research, which stems from our work on asymmetric hydrogenation with low-cost monodentate phosphoramidite ligands.