| RefNo | EC/1984/22 |
| Previous numbers | Cert XXI, 158 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Maitlis, Peter Michael: certificate of election to the Royal Society |
| Date | 1978 |
| Description | Citation typed |
| Citation | Professor Maitlis is distinguished for his researches on the chemistry of palladium, rhodium, and iridium. He is the author of a two volume book on palladium which is widely recognised as the most authoritative account of the organo-complexes of this metal. He was the first to elucidate the mechanisms of oligomerisation of acetylenes by palladium(II), establishing the formation of cyclobutadiene derivatives, and trimeric and tetrameric complexes as intermediates. From this research he developed the synthesis of other cyclobutadiene-metal compounds by ligand transfer. Other original contributions to palladium chemistry include studies on hydropalladation, through space palladium-hydrogen interactions, novel fluxional behaviour of allylic complexes, and oxidative-addition reactions. His more recent work on pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium and -iridium complexes has concentrated on their function as homogeneous catalysts of a new type where the metal is not stabilised by phosphines or similar co-ligands. These compounds are, for example, effective arene hydrogenation catalysts. His research has contributed significantly to our knowledge of the mechanisms of organometallic reactions of the platinum metals. Copies of approximately 140 primary journal articles are appended. |
| AccessStatus | Closed |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA4571 | Maitlis; Peter Michael (1933 - 2022); Chemist | 1933 - 2022 |