DrAndrew Phillips

Dr. Phillips is lead reseacher in the hydrogen strorage project known as RESR, see www.resr.ie for more details.

The Phillips' research group is devoted to the promotion of transition metal complexes in the areas of organic-transformations, sustainable energy storage and bioinorganic/bioorganometallic chemistry including metal-based drugs. Currently, 2/3 rd of the group is focused on employing the beta-diketaminiate ligand with ruthenium and osmium metals. The other half examines coinage metals and their role in antibiotic and anticancer therapy. Anticancer ruthenium complexes is also reoccurring theme, particular enhancing activity through bio-conjugation with natural occurring molecules, such as peptides, amino acids and sugars. Beta-Diketaminiate (NacNac) Chemistry Currently, we are designing, constructing and employing a variety of sterically demanding nitrogen based ligands called diketaminiates or NacNac (based on AcAc) which when combined with metals to afford new bifunctionally reactive complexes. Unique to these complexes is the ability to activate a variety of substrates towards hydrogenation, atom transfer radical reactions, which involve addition of halocarbons to unsaturated C-C bonds. More recently we have incorporated highly electron withdrawing CF3 groups to enhance the Lewis acid character of the metal centre and promote efficient but mild Diels-Alder reactions. Recent work highlights the capability to promote retro-Diels-Alder chemistry. In the context of sustainable chemistry, we examine biphasic reactions in fluorinated hydrocarbons solvents and ionic liquids, and adapt our catalysts accordingly. We have also entered the field of ammonia-borane dehydrogenation as a safe and efficient method for hydrogen storage. Our technology is currently supported by Enterprise Ireland and SFI-SRC, and has been awarded with two WO-class patents. Anticancer and Antibacterial Chemistry Our second research line is focused around the development of new anticancer compounds based on Ru and Os. Our goal is to build new multi-component organometallic complex with enhanced targeting abilities. Additionally, the compounds are highly pH selective towards cancer cell. Using the latest techniques in fluorescent microscopy, biotransformations of the complexes are analysed in real time. We generally employ water-soluble and bio-active phosphines to support metal bio-transport to target systems.