A Success: Degussa Homogeneous Catalysts Holds its First Scientific Symposium
05 June 2006
Degussa Homogeneous Catalysts, an internal start-up of Degussa AG, Düsseldorf, held its first scientific symposium on CX coupling reactions, which are particularly needed in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of complex pharmaceutically active molecules. More than 60 researchers from science and industry accepted the invitation to join renowned catalysis researchers in discussing new developments in this field, which is equally important to both science and industry.
"Catalysts for CX coupling reactions are a key component of our product portfolio. The better the catalyst, the better the economics and environmental effects of the process. To offer each of our customers the best possible solution, we need the exchange of knowledge with our university colleagues," explains Thomas Riermeier, R&D head of the start-up.
Prof. Paul Knochel of LMU Munich, Prof. Magnus Rüping of the University of Frankfurt, Prof. Herbert Plenio of TU Darmstadt, and Prof. Steven Nolan of the University of New Orleans lectured on the results of their current research. At the end of the symposium, Prof. Matthias Beller, head of the Leibniz Institut für Katalyse in Rostock and recipient of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Award 2006, examined palladium-catalysed carbonylation reactions and gave an overview of the future development of catalysis in CX coupling reactions. "The response to our first symposium was extremely positive," said Riermeier. "Participants particularly appreciated the scientific depth of the presentations, which offered a glimpse into the latest status of the research."
