ProfessorPaul Lickiss

Paul Lickiss, Professor of Organometallic Chemistry, is interested in the chemistry of main group compounds, particularly organosilicon compounds.

The group's research covers several areas of applied silicon chemistry.

The synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly containing main group elements as the metal node, and organosilicon compounds as the linkers between the nodes is being studied. New extended reach ligands containing siloxane, Si-O-Si, linkages are also being used as linkers. These new framework materials have potential for gas capture and storage, such as carbon dioxide capture and hydrogen storage. MOFs also have potential for drug delivery and this is being investigated in collaboration with Dr Rob Davies in Chemistry and Professor Jane Mitchel of the NHLI.

Our interest in compounds containing Si-O bonds such as silanols and siloxanes concentrates on the synthesis, characterisation and uses of cubic silsesquioxanes. The use of low molecular weight silicon compounds as both catalysts and reagents in efficient direct amidation of carboxylic acids is being investigated in collaboration with Professor Chris Braddock

The use of bulky groups to promote new reaction pathways and novel structural features has led to bridged Si cations being prepared. The fundamentals of organosilicon reaction mechanisms are of continuing interest to the group.