Transition metal catalysts for the conversion of biomass inspired substrates

The research described in thesis provides an increased insight in the applicability of the NHC-amine ligand scaffold. The fact that the NHC is in conjugation with an amine was shown to make a clear difference in catalytic properties compared to similar non-conjugated systems. Conjugation even influences the intrinsic reactivity, determining whether a complex can be made or not. This understanding of the influence on donor strength of our conjugated NHC-amine contributes to future rational design of catalysts. Furthermore, the application of NHC-amine containing complexes in conversion of polar bonds and direct alkylation reactions functions as basis for further research concerning the application of homogeneous catalysts in the transformation of biomass derived compounds.