STAY INFORMED and FOLLOW DYDIO LAB!
19 JUNE 2026
NEW PUBLICATION IN JACS
In this paper, we report the first highly regio- and enantioselective alkoxycarbonylation of unactivated terminal alkenes. Congrats to all involved, and many thanks to the Tang Group (SIOC) for a great collaboration on this project!
Read more
The method relies on a palladium–bromide catalyst featuring a newly developed valley-shaped chiral ligand and enables the synthesis of valuable chiral esters from simple alkenes and alcohols with excellent selectivity and broad substrate scope. Beyond providing access to important building blocks for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, and fine chemicals, this study demonstrates how catalyst design can overcome long-standing challenges in alkene functionalisation by simultaneously controlling regioselectivity and enantioselectivity in reactions of unactivated olefins. Read the full paper here.
4 JUNE 2026
Jyothi joins the group
Dr Jyothi Yadav joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher after securing a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship. Warm welcome to Jyothi!
22 APRIL 2026
Christopher joins the group
Christopher Köhler joins the group as a visiting MSc student (University of Bonn, Germany). Warm welcome to Chris!
22 JANUARY 2026
Yifei joins the group
Yifei Bai joins the group as a PhD student. Warm welcome to Yifei!
21 OCTOBER 2025
New faces (and finally a new photo!)
We’re very happy to welcome several new members to the group this term: PhD students Nicolás Manno, Daniel Read, and Oscar Hills; MPhil student Qihao Huang; Part III student Dana Moss; and visiting MSc students Melvin Bezjak (RWTH Aachen University, Germany) and Marie Carlier (École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, France). All make an appearance in our long-overdue new group photo above — it’s been a while!
8 AUGUST 2025
Kuhali receives a poster prize
We’re thrilled to share that Kuhali has been awarded a Poster Prize at the 28th International Symposium: Synthesis in Organic Chemistry! Her poster, “Versatile dehomologative functionalizations of aldehydes and alcohols enabled via Rh-catalyzed multi-auto-relay”, highlights work recently published in JACS. A huge bravo to Kuhali!
4 JUNE 2025
Gracjan joins the group
Gracjan Kurpik joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Warm welcome to Gracjan!
12 MAY 2025
New publication in JACS
Our latest study introduces a rhodium-catalyzed one-pot method that converts aldehydes and alcohols into vinyl and alkyl boronates via sequential transfer dehydroformylation, isomerization, and borylation.
Read more
This multicatalytic approach streamlines C–C bond functionalization and expands access to valuable organoboronates from common starting materials. Beyond its synthetic utility, the study showcases the power of multicatalysis—multiple catalytic events using a single catalyst system—to simplify complex transformations and improve the efficiency of fine chemical synthesis. Read the full paper here.
28 JANUARY 2025
New publication in Chemical Science
In this paper, we report our studies of a dual relay catalytic protocol for regioselective arylation of amines at their unactivated β-C(sp3)-H bond. The strategy merges reversible dehydrogenation of amines by Rh catalysis and C-H functionalisation of transient imines by Pd catalysis, enabling the reactions for previously inaccessible starting materials.
Read more
In a broader sense, this study demonstrates new opportunities in dual relay catalysis involving hydrogen borrowing chemistry, previously explored in the functionalisation of alcohols, to execute otherwise challenging transformations for amines, commonly present in natural products, pharmaceuticals, biologically active molecules, and functional materials. Read the full paper here.
12 DECEMBER 2024
Welcome, new members!
Daniel (Part III Student), Paweł (Part III Student), and Rob (PhD Student) join the group. Warm welcome to all!
14 OCTOBER 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Michel Sigrist
After an excellent presentation and a thorough scientific discussion with the jury members – Dr. Laurence MIESCH, Prof. Zheng-Hui GUAN, and Prof. Matthias BELLER, Michel successfully defended his PhD thesis and was granted a doctorate title. Congratulations, and good luck for the future! Special thanks to the jury members!
14 OCTOBER 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Bruno Lainer
After an excellent presentation and a thorough scientific discussion with the jury members – Prof. Marine DESAGE-EL MURR, Prof. Chao WANG, Prof. Timothy DONOHOE, and Prof. Jacek MLYNARSKI, Bruno successfully defended his PhD thesis and was granted a doctorate title on 20/12/2023. Congratulations and good luck for the future! Special thanks to the jury members!
17 JULY 2024
New publication in Angewandte ChemiE
We report a method that enables chemoselective decarboxylative thianthrenation of a broad range of (hetero)aryl carboxylic acids forming high value-added (hetero)aryl thianthrenium salt reagents under mild conditions, creating an attractive two-step pathway for the divergent functionalization of these abundant starting materials, as exemplified here by modifications of a series of pharmaceuticals. Read the full paper here.
16 JUNE 2024
New publication in Angewandte ChemiE
In this paper, we present a metabolism-inspired artificial system designed to respond to multiple stimuli, operating within an integrated network of mechanistically distinct reactions. Our approach enables the efficient performance of multi-stage processes using three simple starting materials, controlled by specific triggers, and catalysed by a multifunctional Pd/Pt complex, leading to the preferential synthesis of ten products. Read the full paper here.
27 MAY 2024
New publication in Angewandte ChemiE
Regio- and enantioselective arylation of unactivated beta-C(sp3)−H bond of primary alcohols was achieved under mild conditions by constructing a cooperative system merging relay catalysis with dynamic kinetic resolution of transient aryl aldehyde intermediates, demonstrating new opportunities in multicatalysis to execute otherwise challenging transformations. Read the full paper here.
16 OCTOBER 2023
The Dydio Group moves to the University of Cambridge
It is our pleasure to announce that the Dydio Group moves to the University of Cambridge from the University of Strasbourg.
Read more
After wonderful 7 years at ISIS (Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires) the Dydio Group has moved to the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. We would like to thank all the present and former group members for their dedicated work, all the members of ISIS for providing a stimulating environment for research and all the technical and administrative staff for their constant help! We are looking forward to continue our research at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and are excited to meet all the researchers at the University of Cambridge.
NEWS ARCHIVE
16 OCTOBER 2023
New publication in Synlett
In this Synpacts article, we discuss our recent work on iodide-assisted Pd catalysis as an attractive alternative strategy for the development of isoselective hydroformylation methods. Read the full paper here.
3 APRIL 2023
New publication in Trends in Chemistry
In this article we highlight the recent studies, which demonstrated that ingenious cascades of reactions driven by catalysts operating in concert enable conversion of ethylene and polyethylene (PE) materials into propylene, the valuable olefin used in the synthesis of various chemicals and commodity materials. Read the full paper here.
3 APRIL 2023
New publication in Chemical Communications
This feature article focuses on demonstrating various aspects of multicatalytic systems that modify the structure of alcohol-containing compounds. Read the full paper here.
31 MARCH 2023
Ala, Paula and Sani join the group
Ala, Paula and Sani join the group as master interns! Welcome to the group!
8 DECEMBER 2022
Shu-ting joins the group
Shu-ting Li joins the group as a PhD student. Welcome Shu-ting!
15 NOVEMBER 2022
KUHALI joins the group
Kuhali Das joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Welcome Kuhali!
3 NOVEMBER 2022
JAN joins the group
Jan Bojanowski joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Welcome Jan!
5 OCTOBER 2022
Congratulations to Dr. Lukas Veth
After an excellent presentation and a thorough scientific discussion with the jury members – Prof. Martin Oestreich, Dr. Adrien Quintard, Dr. Stéphane Bellemin-Laponnaz, Lukas successfully defended his PhD thesis and was granted a doctorate title. Congratulations and good luck for the future! Special thanks to the jury members!
15 SEPTEMBER 2022
FLORA joins the group
Flora Mammadova joins the group as a PhD student. Welcome Flora!
6 SEPTEMBER 2022
On the Cover of Synthesis
Our recent perspective on „Recent Trends in Group 9–Catalyzed C−H Borylation Reactions: Different Strategies to Control Site-, Regio-, and Stereoselectivity” has been selected for the cover of the ‘Bürgenstock Special Issue 2021 – Future Stars in Organic Chemistry’ (link).
6 SEPTEMBER 2022
New Publication in Nature Chemistry
In this comment we discuss the importance of ligands in transition metal catalysis, looking at the success story of xantphos and why we feel it should earn the title of ‘privileged ligand’. Read the full paper here.
28 JUNE 2022
New publication in Organometallics
In this paper we describe the results of a computational investigation that shed light on the catalyst structure–activity and selectivity relationships for our recently developed Rh(I)-xantphos-catalyzed transfer C–H borylation of alkenes. The study provides guidelines for the rational development of new catalysts to further enhance the performance of the catalytic system and address the remaining challenges. Read the full paper here.
27 JUNE 2022
Congratulations to Dr. Sebastián Martínez
After an excellent presentation and a thorough scientific discussion with the jury members – Prof. Bill Morandi, Prof. Bas de Bruin, Prof. Philippe Dauban, Dr. Joanna Wencel-Delord, and Prof. Thomas Ebbesen, Sebastián successfully defended his PhD thesis and was granted a doctorate title. Congratulations and good luck for the future! Special thanks to the jury members!
22 APRIL 2022
On the cover of Chem Catalysis
Our recent publication on “Transfer C–H borylation of alkenes under Rh(I) catalysis: Insight into the synthetic capacity, mechanism, and selectivity control.” is featured on the cover of the April issue of Chem Catalysis (link).
11 MARCH 2022
New publication in Chem Catalysis
In this paper, we present a broadly applicable method for the C–H borylation of various alkenes, that is, a valuable transformation in the synthesis of fine chemicals. Importantly, the reaction tolerates a plethora of functional groups and can be used for the late-stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules. Read the full paper here.
1 MARCH 2022
New publication in Angewandte Chemie
In this communication, we report our recent study on the isoselective hydroformylation of propylene – an industrially desired but elusive transformation – enabled by non-canonical iodide-assisted palladium catalysis. The publication was selected by the editors as a Hot Paper. Read the full paper here.
19 JANUARY 2022
New publication in SYNTHESIS
In this review article in a special issue of Synthesis – „Bürgenstock Special Section 2021 – Future Stars in Organic Chemistry”, we provide an overview of different approaches in the field of C–H borylation reactions mediated by group 9 metal-based catalysts that target the control of the activity and the selectivity of the reaction. Read the full paper here.
13 JANUARY 2022
New publication in SCIENCE
In this Perspective, we discuss the challenges of controlling the stereoselectivity of reactions occurring through free-radical intermediates. In the context of the recent work of Yang et al. (Science 374, 1612 (2021)), we highlight the opportunities of conducting such reactions (and beyond!) in the presence of engineered enzymes. Read the full paper here.
22 OCTOBER 2021
NEW PUBLICATION IN EurJOC
In the invited mini-review in EurJOC, Yang and Michel analyzed the field of Pd-catalyzed hydroformylation. Read the full paper here.
11 JUNE 2021
NEW PUBLICATION IN EurJOC
In this Letter, we report the enantioselective synthesis of secondary benzylic alcohols and diarylmethanols by α-arylation of primary aliphatic and benzylic alcohols under sequential catalysis. The strategy integrates a Ru-catalyzed hydrogen transfer oxidation and a Ru-catalyzed nucleophilic addition in a one-pot fashion. Read the full paper here.
5 MAY 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Imane Boudhil
After a nice presentation and a scientific discussion with the jury members – Dr. Tatiana Besset, Prof. Frederic Patureau, and Prof. Thomas Ebbesen, Imane successfully defended her PhD thesis and was granted a doctorate title. Congratulations! A suitable celebration has to be postponed (hopefully later this year). Special thanks to the jury members!
13 APRIL 2021
New publication in Organic Letters
In this Letter, we report sequential multistep protocols with up to three transition-metal complexes and a Brønsted acid that execute redox-neutral transformations for a series of alkenes, (protected) unsaturated alcohols, and aryl boronic acids, with no or with minimal intermediary workup, to furnish varied secondary benzylic alcohols in high stereoselectivity, with up to 99:1 er, dr >20:1, and 91% yield. Read the full paper here.
15 MARCH 2021
New publication in ACS CATALYSIS
In this Perspective article, we analyze the overarching field of multicatalysis, which we divide into three main categories: cooperative, domino, and relay catalysis. We discuss distinct challenges and opportunities of each category, which we portray with representative examples to highlight their different features. We pay special emphasis to strategies that enable transformations that are inaccessible through classic approaches. Read the full paper here.
10 OCTOBER 2020
New publication in JACS
The paper on the study of a highly selective and exceptionally active catalyst system that is driven by a novel activation strategy and features a unique Pd(I)–Pd(I) mechanism has been published as an Article in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. This method enables β-selective hydroformylation of a large range of alkenes and alkynes, including sensitive starting materials! Read the full paper here.
10 OCTOBER 2020
Bruno rejoins the group
After completion of the M.Sc. program, Bruno Lainer joins the group as a Ph.D. student. Welcome back Bruno!
10 OCTOBER 2020
Michel rejoins the group
After completion of the M.Sc. program, Michel Sigrist joins the group as a Ph.D. student. Welcome back Michel! Read the full paper here.
10 OCTOBER 2020
Hanusch joins the group
Hanusch Grab joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Welcome Hanusch!
2 OCTOBER 2020
Paweł is selected to the Dream Chemistry Award Top 5
Dream Chemistry Award is a unique contest in which a prize is awarded to a young scientist with a chemistry background for an idea of a scientific project in the field of chemistry or chemistry-related disciplines that she/he dreams to solve. For more details see here.
12 FEBRUARY 2020
BRUNO joins the group
Bruno Lainer joins the group as a M.Sc. student. Welcome Bruno!
12 FEBRUARY 2020
MICHEL joins the group
Michel Sigrist joins the group as a M.Sc. student. Welcome back Michel!
8 JULY 2019
LUKAS joins the group
Lukas Veth joins the group as a Ph.D student. Welcome Lukas!
8 JULY 2019
KINGA joins the group
Kinga Piechura joins the group as a visiting Ph.D. student. Welcome Kinga!
8 JULY 2019
NIKOLA joins the group
Nikola Bregović joins the group as a visiting researcher. Welcome Nikola!
8 JULY 2019
MICHEL joins the group
Michel Sigrist joins the group as a visiting student. Welcome Michel!
5 MAY 2019
ALESSANDRA joins the group
Alessandra Casenati joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Welcome Alessandra!
14 FEBRUARY 2019
On the cover of Nature Catalysis
Our recent publication on “Dual-Catalytic Transition Metal Systems for Functionalization of Unreactive Sites of Molecules” is featured on the cover of the February issue of Nature Catalysis (link).
8 JANUARY 2019
New publication in Nature Catalysis
The paper on the study of dual-catalytic systems by Dawid, Yang and Karolina has been published as an Advance Online Publication: Dual-Catalytic Transition Metal Systems for Functionalization of Unreactive Sites of Molecules. Read the full paper here.
10 DECEMBER 2018
Sylwester joins the group
Sylwester Domański (financed by NSC Etiuda Doctoral Fellowship) joins the group as a visiting researcher. Welcome Sylwester!
17 OCTOBER 2018
NIKOLA joins the group
Nikola Bregovic, a visiting researcher from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, joins the group as a postdoctoral scholar for the winter (financed by the scholarship granted by the French government). Welcome Nikola!
3 SEPTEMBER 2018
Sebastián joins the group
Sebastián Martínez (awarded the Solvay FRC Doctoral Fellowship in Chemistry funded by the Ernest Solvay Fund and the FRC Foundation in honor of Ernest Solvay and Guy Ourisson) joins the group as a PhD student. Welcome Sebastián!
27 JULY 2018
9 FEBRUARY 2018
Karolina joins the group
Karolina Hurej (financed by the „Mobilność Plus” Scholarship from the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education) joins the group as a postdoctoral researcher. Welcome Karolina!
3 OCTOBER 2017
IMANE joins the group
Imane Boudhil joins the group as a PhD student. Welcome back Imane!
5 JULY 2017
Gourahari joins the group
Gourahari Behera, a master student from the University of Wroclaw, Poland, joins the group as an Erasmus+ Trainee for the summer. Welcome Gourahari!
3 OCTOBER 2016
ANNET joins the group
Annette B. Vliegenthart joins the group as the first PhD student. Welcome Annet!
3 OCTOBER 2016
DAWID joins the group
Dawid Lichosyt (financed by NSC Etiuda Doctoral Fellowship) joins the group as a visiting researcher. Welcome Dawid!
3 OCTOBER 2016
Stefano and Yang join the group
Dr. Stefano Libri and Dr. Yang Zhang join the group as postdoctoral researchers. Welcome to both!
15 AUGUST 2016
CoSyCat has been launched
The Dydio Research Group – „CoSyCat” finally started! Officially on the 1st of August, 2016! Welcome to ISIS, UNISTRA, Strasbourg and France!
Dydio Lab 