CHEMISTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

We will prepare new functional materials for renewable energy technologies and photocatalysis. Anaerobic digestion of waste substrates will be studied to optimize methane production. Chemical stabilization of mobile toxic metal compounds in soil will be performed using appropriate stabilization agents. We will prepare new coordination compounds with biologically interesting organic ligands and evaluate their therapeutic potential. Model complexes for simulation of oxygen transfer will be prepared and characterized. We shall invent, develop and apply chemical transformations following the basic principles of green chemistry. Oxidative transformations of organic compounds using air oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as oxidants will be investigated stressing oxidations of alcohols and ketones, oxidative halogenation of arenes, alkenes and ketones, and other oxidative transformations. These organic reactions will be performed also in aqueous media, using alternative reaction media (florous liquids, polyglycols, and ionic liquids) and under solven-free reaction conditions. Original protocols for the synthesis of small organic molecules, potential APIs or synthons for their biosynthesis, will be developed. Special attention will be paid to derivatives of panthothenic acid, organic peroxides and derivatives of malonic acid, potential building blocks in biosynthesis of polyketides.

Work packages of the programme followed the priorities, that are defined in Horizon 2020 strategy, the framework programme of European community. Sustainable development is an overarching objective of Horizon 2020. Excellent science and innovation are key factors that will help Europe to move towards smart, sustainable, inclusive growth, and along the way to tackle its pressing societal challenges. Following priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy, our programme was focused on health, secure, clean and efficient energy, green chemistry and technology, and sustainable approach to management of the environment. We followed the excellence in research with a strong tendency toward innovation and industrial cooperation. We believe that results of the programme group contribute to European science excellence and industrial innovation of our industry.

The programme and its results represent an important contribution to sustainable development of Slovenia in the following fields: - a new kowledge and education of top inorganic and organic chemists - contribution to benign chemistry processes, which are friendly to the nature - development of renewable energy technologies - implementation of sustainable environmental technologies - contribution to health and ageing challenges