iHAT: Iron-catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer from H2
Problem
The hydrogen atom is ubiquitous in countless compounds essential to life and modern society. From the simplest molecules, such as water (H2O), to complex ones such as pharmaceuticals and proteins, all contain hydrogen atoms in their structure. Industrially, these hydrogen atoms are most frequently derived from molecular hydrogen (H2), which is inexpensive and widely available. However, the current method for producing hydrogen atoms from H2 requires precious metal catalysts such as palladium and rhodium (Figure 1), which are costly, require energy-intensive purification methods and are associated with geopolitical instability.
Figure 1. Current method.
Solution
Our solution to this problem is the use of iron as a cheap, abundant and globally accessible catalyst. We have designed a catalytic system that enables the controlled generation and transfer of hydrogen atoms from H₂ for the synthesis of a variety of molecules, ranging from H2O2 to pharmaceuticals (Figure 2). By replacing precious metals with iron, our technology aims to enhance the sustainability, affordability, and resilience of hydrogen-dependent chemical manufacturing across multiple industries.
