The Catalysis & Reaction Technology Group

We are a research group working on next-generation synthesis and reaction technologies, and we are based at Politecnico di Milano.

Who we are

We are a diverse team of 12 scientists from 9 different countries, and we are working at the interface of catalysis and chemical synthesis. Our focus areas include designing stable single-atom catalysts for synthetic applications, optimizing chemical processes through novel methodologies and the use of waste reactants, and advancing flow chemistry for small molecule synthesis. With expertise ranging from medicinal and physical chemistry to chemical and process/energy engineering, we merge diverse perspectives and skills that make us well equipped to push the boundaries of science. Together, we are shaping the future of synthesis and unlocking scientific breakthroughs. Join our vibrant group!

Meet the Team

Research

News & Events

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Gianvito is elected Fellow of the Young Academy of Europe

Congratulations to Mark, Vincenzo, Alessandra and Nicolò for their recent paper!

ERC Starting Grant for our group, to continue studying single-atom catalysts

'Alfredo di Braccio' Award in Chemistry for Gianvito by the Italian National Academy

Latest Publications

Ni-Catalyzed Electro-Reductive Cross-Electrophile Couplings of Alkyl Amine-Derived Radical Precursors with Aryl Iodides

In recent years, the “Escape-from-Flatland” trend has prompted the synthetic community to develop a set of cross-coupling strategies to introduce sp3-carbon-based fragments in organic compounds. This study presents a novel nickel-catalyzed electrochemical methodology for reductive cross-electrophile coupling. The method enables C(sp2)–C(sp3) linkages using inexpensive amine-derived radical precursors and aryl iodides. The use of electrochemistry as a power source reduces waste and avoids chemical reductants, making this approach a more sustainable alternative to traditional cross-coupling methods.