Research in the Hicks group focuses on the reactivity of earth abundant, non-toxic metals in regards to sustainable chemical synthesis.

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Dr. Jamie Hicks

About

In the Hicks group, we are first and foremost synthetic organometallic chemists. However, unlike ‘traditional’ organometallic chemists that often focus on the late transition metals, we specialised in the chemistry of the more abundant metals of the periodic table. These include a large number of the main group elements (such as magnesium, calcium and aluminium) as well as a number of the first-row transition metals (for example iron, copper and zinc).

In our current research, we are targeting high profile reactions that are typically associated with late transition metal catalysts, for example C–H activation, C–C coupling and small molecule activation. However, we are performing these using much more abundant, environmentally benign metals to develop more sustainable routes to chemical synthesis.

Projects

Think that aluminium chemistry is all about the +3 oxidation state? In the Hicks group we think not. Recently, a range of anionic Al(I) reagents, aka aluminyl anions, have been reported that remarkably show nucleophilic behaviour at Al. This project aims to investigate the reactivity of these highly reactive reagents.

Student intake

Open for Honours, PhD students

Theme

Catalysis, Energy, Environment and Green Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry

Research in the Hicks group primarily focuses around the idea of using non-toxic, earth abundant metals in modern day organometallic chemistry.

Student intake

Open for Honours students

Members

Leader

Senior Lecturer

Researcher

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Postdoctoral Fellow

Student

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Honours Student

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PhD Candidate

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Honours Student

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PhD Candidate

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PhD Candidate

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PhD Candidate

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PhD Candidate

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PhD Candidate