Nuno Maulide

In the AGROSTERICS research project, Nuno Maulide is developing a new reaction that enables the synthesis of molecules that were previously difficult or impossible to access. Problems with the synthesis of molecules with pronounced steric hindrance (i.e. the presence of many large molecule parts in a confined space) are a common obstacle in industrial applications. In the approach now being pursued, the two building blocks are first brought closer together before the crucial bond can then be formed. In contrast to previous methods, this does not require the use of large quantities of heavy metals. This reaction is now to find application in plant protection.