University of Tasmania, Australia

A new route to linear alpha olefins - catalytic isomerisation of internal olefins

Linear alpha-olefins (LAOs) are extremely important chemical feedstocks for industrial and consumer products. This research aims to develop a new technology to convert low value internal olefins into LAOs. Early transition metal, lanthanide and aluminium organometallic complexes would be prepared and studied as catalysts for this transformation. Students would become proficient in air sensitive manipulations, the use of high pressure reactors, and a range of instrumental techniques used for characterisation.

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