The research group of Moshe Kol is investigating the synthesis of chelalting ligands and their wrapping tendencies around main-group metals and transition metals to give well-defined complexes. These complexes are investigated mostly in catalysis of stereoselective transformations with emphasis on polymerization reactions. The current research directions include:
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Development of catalysts based on group 4 transition metal complexes for stereoselective polymerization of propylene and other alpha-olefins.
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Development of various metallic catalysts for stereoselective ring-opening polymerization of lactones, to give environmentally-benign polymers such as poly(lactic acid)
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Design of “chiral-at-metal” complexes for asymmetric catalysis
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Investigation of polymeryl migration processes in stereoselective polymerization reactions
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Investigation of self-organization processes of “chiral-at-metal” complexes.