Professor Robert Mulvey
Pure and Applied Chemistry
Personal statement
Versatile virtuosi, organolithium reagents have been at the forefront of synthetic chemistry for over a century, as masters of mediation in chemical synthesis, for example, as brilliant bases, nucleophiles, or ligand transfer agents, making them indispensable in academia and technology. Today, this alkali metal mediation is expanding to the heavier congeners, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium with applications across a growing diversity of areas, covering not just stoichiometric reactions but remarkably also catalytic reactions in homogeneous catalysis. Alkali metals do not only mediate reactions on their own, they induce strong synergistic (co-operative) effects with metals from essentially the entire periodic table. These bimetallic systems often show reactivities or selectivities not possible with the second metal such as magnesium, zinc or aluminium, and operate to a different degree depending on which alkali metal is present. 听
Two reviews from our group showcase the current state-of-the-art, while three of our primary papers report that surprisingly organocaesium compounds can outperform their lighter alkali metal congeners in catalytic transfer hydrogenation applications.
Biography
Robert Emmet Mulvey was born in Easterhouse, Glasgow, Scotland in 1959. 听He received his first degree (BSc. in Chemistry with First Class Honours) and his Ph.D. (in organolithium chemistry under the direction of his brilliant mentor Dr Ron Snaith) at the 糖心视频 in 1981 and 1984 respectively. 听Following two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Durham (in the group of Professor Ken Wade), he returned to Strathclyde in 1986 and was promoted to a Professorship in 1995. 听33 students have obtained their PhD degrees in his group. To date he has published over 324 research papers and several book chapters. Exceeding 拢6M in total as PI, his career research income includes over 拢2.6M from EPSRC. 听A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), his research on polar organometallic chemistry has won him several awards and prizes as detailed below.
Career History
2011 Appointed to the 1919 Chair of Inorganic Chemistry, 糖心视频.
1995 Professor and Head of Inorganic Chemistry, 糖心视频.
1993 Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, 糖心视频.
1991 Lecturer in Chemistry, 糖心视频.
1986 Royal Society 1983 University Research Fellow, 糖心视频.
1984 Senior Research Assistant in Chemistry, University of Durham.
Awards and Fellowships
President's Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2023): Awarded for his immense contributions to the Dalton Division, especially his work supporting early career researchers.
Humboldt Research Award (2017): Awarded for 鈥渃ontributions to molecular inorganic chemistry鈥; Host; Prof. Dr. M. Scheer, Institut f眉r Anorganische Chemie, Universit盲t Regensburg, Germany.
PKU-Eli Lilly Lectureship (2015): Awarded for 鈥渃reative and seminal research work in main group organometallic chemistry鈥 by Peking University, Beijing, China.
Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker Arfvedson Schlenk Prize (2013): Awarded for 鈥渙utstanding achievements in discovering synergistic effects of mixed main group metal compositions鈥.
Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2009-2014): Awarded for the study of 鈥渟ynergic mixed-metal chemistry: metallation and inverse crown applications鈥.
Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2004): Awarded by the Royal Society for the study of 鈥渕olecular synergy and inverse crown ring chemistry鈥.
RSC Main Group Element Award (2002): Given by the Royal Society of Chemistry for 鈥渆legant contributions to the metallo-organic and cluster chemistry of the alkali and alkaline earth metals鈥.
RSC Meldola Medal (1988): Given by the Society of Maccabaeans and the Royal Society of Chemistry in respect of work on the synthesis and characterisation of the unprecedented species of lithium oligomer chemistry.
Royal Society 1983 University Research Fellowship (1986): Host institution, 糖心视频. 听Title of research project 鈥淓xplorative coordination chemistries of Cu(I)/Zn(II) versus the alkaline/alkaline-earth metals鈥.
The Ritchie Prize (1984): Given on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 糖心视频, to the PhD candidate 鈥渨ho presents the thesis which best combines excellence of scientific work with quality of presentation鈥.
Research Grants
EPSRC/SERC
2020-2024 Sodium carboxylates in diesel fuels. Innospec Ltd/EPSRC (拢85,000). Student, J. R. Lynch.听
2019-2022 Bespoke bimetallics for chemical cooperativity. EPSRC EP/S029788/1 (拢569,181). Research assistants, Dr T. X. Gentner and Dr G. M. Ballmann.
2016-2020 Sodium carboxylates in diesel fuels. Innospec Ltd/EPSRC (拢82,000). Student, R. Gauld.
2015-2019 Towards a paradigm shift in the principles and practice of polar organometallic chemistry. EPSRC EP/N011384/1 (拢379,517) (joint with Professor Hevia). Research assistant, Dr. M Uzelac.
2012-2015 A co-operative bimetallic approach for the transformation of lithiation. EP/K001183/1 (拢313,249). EPSRC. Research assistant, Dr M. 脕ngeles Fuentes.
2011-2015 Synergistic bimetallics for improved aromatic and heteroaromatic metallations. Industrial/DTA Studentship (拢52,460). AstraZeneca/EPSRC. Student, S Leenhouts.
2008-2012 Exploiting synthetic and structural synergism in alkali-metal-mediated organotransitionmetallation. EP/F063733/1 (拢518,385). EPSRC. Research assistant, Dr. S. D. Robertson.
2006-2010 Inverse coordination: a new design concept in supramolecular inorganic chemistry. EP/D076889/1 (拢408,062). Research assistant, Dr J. Klett, student B. Conway.
2005-2007 Pushing the boundaries 鈥 adventurous chemistry at Strathclyde. EP/C532309/1 (拢258,198). Joint with D. Graham, J. A. Murphy, W. E. Smith, B. D. Moore, and P. A. G. Cormack.
2005-2008 Mixed鈥搈etal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry.听 GR/T27228/01 (拢261,670). Research assistant, Dr J. Garcia-脕lvarez, student V. L. Blair. 听
2002-2005 Regioselective design of new ferrocene and other sandwich complexes using inverse crown chemistry.听 GR/R811833/01 (拢220,956).听 Research assistant, Dr E. Hevia; student, S. Weatherstone.
2000-2003 Olefin polymerisation catalysis.听 Quota studentship joint with Dr K.W. Henderson (stipend/fees costs).听 Student, C.T. O鈥橦ara.
2000-2003 Purchase of CCD diffractometer. Joint with Glasgow University.听 Co-investigator with others led by Dr K.W. Muir. JREI award.听 GR/M/91433 (拢124,065).
1999-2002 Inverse crowns and related mixed metal macrocycles.听 GR/M78113 (拢188,537). Student, G.C. Forbes; research assistant R.B. Rowlings.
1996-1999 Purchase of 400 MHz NMR spectrometer.听 Co-investigator with five others led by Professor J.A. Murphy. JREI award. GR/LZ6148/01 (拢85,000).
1996-1999 Elaboration and expansion of the chemistry of alkali metal primary amide complexes. Quota studentship (stipend/fees costs).听Student, A. Robertson.
1995-1998 New amides, amidinides, and mixed-metal derivatives thereof in magnesium chemistry. Quota studentship (stipend/fees costs).听 Student, R.B. Rowlings.
1994-1997 Preparation and characterisation of novel complexes containing a variety of main group metal-ligand combinations.听 Quota studentship (stipend/fees costs). Student, F.J. Craig.
1993-1996 New developments in the alkali metal chemistry of primary amines.听 CASE award with Associated Octel Co. Ltd. (stipend/fees costs). Student, F.M. Mackenzie.
1992-1995 Synthetic and structural investigations of heavier alkali metal organic derivatives.听 EARMARKED studentship GR/H26444 (stipend/fees cost and 拢3000 consumables). Student, M.J. Ross.
1991-1994 Exploiting the alkali metal amide chemistry of dibenzylamine.听 Quota studentship (stipend/fees costs). Student, D.R. Baker.
1990-1993 Investigation of lithium amides as novel initiators in the anionic polymerisation of methyl methacrylate. CASE award with ICI, joint with Professor D.C. Sherrington (stipend/fees costs). Student, S.A. Couper.
1990-1993 A synthetic and structural investigation of amidomagnesium chemistry.听 CASE award with ICI (stipend/fees costs). Student, K.W. Henderson.
1988-1991 Synthetic and structural studies of novel organonitrogen-alkali metal complexes.听 Quota studentship (stipend/fees costs).听 Student, P.C. Andrews.
1987-1990听听听听听听听听听 Purchase of glove box facility.听 GR/E/1137.8 (拢11,742).
Associated Octel
1990-1993 An investigation of the chemical structures of selected synthetically useful organo and organonitrogen complexes of lithium, sodium and magnesium. Fully-funded studentship (拢35,354). Student, N.D.R. Barnett.
BP Chemicals
1997-2000 A study of organonitrogen complexes of zirconium and aluminium.听 Jointly supervised by Dr K.W. Henderson. Fully funded studentship at CASE level (拢25,000). Student, A.E.McKeown.
European Commission
2004-2005 Chemical and structural synergy in heterobimetallic chemistry.听 MEIF-CT-2003-500848 (Euros 160,180). Marie-Curie Fellowship to Dr E. Hevia.
2008-2010 Alkali-Metal-Mediated Metallation. PIEF-GA-2008-219698 (Euros 169,391). Marie-Curie Intra European Fellowship to Dr P. Garcia-Alvarez.
The Leverhulme Trust
2020-2024 Propelling sodium to the forefront of metallation chemistry. RPG-2019-264 (拢250,408) (Co-I, Dr S. D. Robertson). research associate Dr S.Banerjee, student P. Macdonald.
2024-2028 Rational development of organocaesium chemistry. RPG-2023-248 (拢305,056) (Co-I, Dr S. D. Robertson). research associate Dr T. M. Horsley Downie, student P. Ferguson.
The Nuffield Foundation
1987-1988 Mixed-metal lithium-sodium complexes:听 novel alternatives to organolithium reagents. Small equipment items. SCI/180/192/G. (拢1,500).
1995-1996 Designing new molecular forms of sodium and potassium amides in search of alternatives to 听commercial lithium amide bases.听 Undergraduate student bursary (拢1,100). Student, L. Douglas.
The Research Corporation Trust
1988-1989 An investigation of imidosodium compounds and their complexes: amenable organic sodium reagents.听 Consumables (拢4,000).
The Royal Society
2004-2005 Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (拢32,656).
1986-1991 鈥1983鈥 University Research Fellowship (salary costs + several small equipment awards).
University
1998-2001 Development of new mixed-metal and ligand systems in s-block amide chemistry.听 Faculty studentship award (salary costs). Student, P.J.A. Rodger.
1992-1993 Metal organic derivatives. Purchase of glove box. SEF award (拢18,283).
1984-1992 Structural studies of some lithium and sodium organonitrogen complexes.听 Mackie studentship award (salary costs). Student, M. MacGregor.
Ph.D. Projects Completed
1988-1991 P. C. Andrews 鈥淪ynthetic and structural studies of novel organonitrogen-alkali metal complexes鈥.
1989-1993 M. MacGregor 鈥淪tructural studies of some lithium and sodium organonitrogen complexes鈥.
1990-1993 K. W. Henderson 鈥淎 synthetic and structural investigation of amidomagnesium chemistry鈥.
1990-1993 N. D. R. Barnett 鈥淎n investigation of the chemical structures of selected synthetically useful organo and organonitrogen complexes of lithium, sodium and magnesium鈥.
1990-1993 S. A. Couper 鈥淚nvestigation of lithium amides as novel initiators in the anionic polymerisation of methyl methacrylate鈥.听 Jointly supervised by Professor D.C. Sherrington.
1991-1994 D. R. Baker 鈥淓xploring the alkali metal amide chemistry of dibenzylamine鈥.
1992-1996 M. J. Ross 鈥淪ynthetic, structural and mechanistic studies of alkali metal triazines and related complexes鈥.
1993-1996 F. M. Mackenzie 鈥淣ew developments in the alkali metal chemistry of primary amines鈥.
1994-1997 F. J. Craig 鈥淧reparation and characterisation of novel complexes containing a variety of main group metal-ligand combinations鈥.
1995-1998 R. B. Rowlings 鈥淣ew amides, amidinides, and mixed-metal derivatives thereof in magnesium chemistry鈥.
1996-1999 A. Robertson 鈥淓laboration and expansion of the chemistry of alkali metal primary amide complexes鈥.
1997-2000 A. E. McKeown 鈥淎 study of organonitrogen complexes of zirconium and aluminium鈥.听 Jointly supervised by Dr K.W. Henderson.
1998-2001 P. J. A. Rodger 鈥淒evelopment of new mixed-metal and ligand systems in s-block amide chemistry鈥.
1999-2002 J. G. MacLellan 鈥淪tructural insights into superbase chemistry and related inverse crown base systems鈥.
1999-2002 G. C. Forbes 鈥淭he synthesis of mixed alkali metal-zinc amide systems鈥.
2000-2003 C. T. O鈥橦ara 鈥淭he extension of inverse crown chemistry to new metal, new amide and new core anion systems鈥.
2001-2004 G. W. Honeyman 鈥淎nionic polymerisation of MMA using s-block organometallic initiators.
1997-2006 A. M. Drummond 鈥淣ew synthetic and structural alkali metal chemistry of alkoxide and triazine ligands鈥.
2002-2006 S. Weatherstone 鈥淪ynthesis and characterisation of homometallic (Mg) and heterobimetallic (Na/Mg, K/Mg, K/Zn, Li/Al, Na/Al, K/Al) compounds with alkoxo, alkyl, amido or halo ligands.鈥
2005-2009 L. M. Hogg 鈥淎lkali-metal-mediated zincation with emphasis on zincations鈥.
2006-2010 V. L. Blair 鈥淎dvances in alkali-metal-mediated manganation and comparisons with magnesiation鈥.
2006-2010 B. Conway 鈥淒evelopment of alkali-metal-mediated metallation: advances with potassium and aluminium鈥.
2008-2012 L. Balloch 鈥淭owards understanding synergic s-block chemistry: new insights from zincate and magnesiate reactions鈥.
2008-2012 R. Campbell 鈥淎lkali metal mediated bimetallic main group and transition organometallic chemistry鈥.
2009-2013 E. Crosbie 鈥淎lkali-metal-mediated alumination: development of bis-TMP chemistry of [(THF)AM(TMP)2Al(iBu)2] with emphasis on lithium.
2010-2014 J. A. Garden 鈥淎dvances in synthetic, structural and reaction chemistry of zinc and zincate complexes containing alkyl and/or amido ligands鈥.
2011-2015 D. L. Ramsay 鈥淎lkali-metal-mediation cleave and capture chemistry鈥.
2013-2017 S. A. Orr 鈥淎dvancing alkali metal dihydropyridine chemistry: syntheses, structures and applications鈥.
2015-2019 V. A. Pollard 鈥淎lkali metal aluminate chemistry: advances in hydroelementation catalysis鈥.
2016-2020 R. M. Gauld 鈥淪tudies of alkali metal compounds in diesel fuel and small molecule activation chemistry鈥.
2018-2022 M. Whitelaw 鈥淎dvancing synthesis and catalysis through main-group metal mediation鈥.
2020-2024 J. R. Lynch 鈥淚nvestigations of s-block organoelement (nitrogen, oxygen) chemistry鈥.
2020-2024 P. A. Macdonald 鈥淪ynthesis and catalytic applications of new heavy s-block metal amides鈥.
M.Phil. Projects Completed
2003-2005 C. Talmard 听鈥淭he synthesis and chemistry of a new sodium-magnesium alkyl-amido base鈥.
Postdoctoral Projects
1999-2002 Dr R. B. Rowlings 鈥淚nverse crowns and related mixed metal macrocycles鈥.
2002-2004 Dr E. Hevia 鈥淩egioselective design of new ferrocene and other sandwich complexes using inverse crown chemistry鈥.
2004-2005 Dr C. T. O鈥橦ara 鈥淩egioselective design of new ferrocene and other sandwich complexes using inverse crown chemistry鈥.
2004-2005 Dr E. Hevia 鈥淐hemical and structural synergy in heterobimetallic chemistry鈥.
2004-2005 Dr G. W. Honeyman 鈥淐hemical and structural synergy in heterobimetallic chemistry鈥.
2005-2008 Dr J. Garcia-脕lvarez 鈥淢ixed鈥搈etal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry鈥.
2006-2009 Dr J Klett 鈥淚nverse coordination: a new design concept in supramolecular inorganic chemistry鈥.
2007-2008 Dr C. F枚rster 鈥淎dventures in alkali metal transition metal chemistry with chromium".
2007-2010 Dr P. Garcia-脕lvarez 鈥淎濒办补濒颈-尘别迟补濒-尘别诲颈补迟颈辞苍鈥.
2009-2012 Dr S. D. Robertson 鈥淓xploiting synthetic and structural synergism in alkali-metal-mediated organotransitionmetallation鈥.
2013-2013 Dr M. Granitzka 鈥淎 co-operative bimetallic approach for the transformation of lithiation鈥.
2014-2016 Dr M. 脕ngeles Fuentes 鈥淎 co-operative bimetallic approach for the transformation of lithiation鈥.
2016-2018 Dr M. Uzelac " Towards a paradigm shift in the principles and practice of polar organometallic chemistry", joint with Professor Hevia.
2019-2021 Dr T. X. Gentner "Bespoke bimetallics for chemical cooperativity".
2020-2022 Dr G. M. Ballmann "Bespoke bimetallics for chemical cooperativity".
2022-2024 Dr S. Banerjee "Propelling sodium to the forefront of metallation chemistry".
2024-2027 Dr T. M. Horsley Downie "Rational development of organocaesium chemistry".
2024-2025听Dr F. Kraemer听"Heavy alkali metal amides and phosphides: synthesis, structures, reactivity and catalysis".
Academic / Professional qualifications
2019-2022 President of the RSC Dalton Division Council.
2002 Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC).
2001 Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE).
2001 Member of the Higher Education Academy.
2001 Member of the American Chemical Society.
1991 Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC), Chartered Chemist (CChem).
1986 Graduate of the Royal Society of Chemistry (GRSC).
Selected Top Publications
1. T. X. Gentner, M. J. Evans, A. R. Kennedy, S. E. Neale, C. L. McMullin, M. P. Coles and R. E. Mulvey, Rubidium and caesium aluminyls: synthesis, structures and reactivity in C鈥揌 bond activation of benzene,听Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 1390.
Expanding knowledge of low valent aluminium chemistry, rubidium and caesium aluminyls are reported to complete the group 1 (Li鈥揅s) set of metal aluminyls. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 34.
2.听T. X. Gentner, A. R. Kennedy, E. Hevia and R. E. Mulvey, Alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) mediation in magnesium hexamethyldisilazide [Mg(HMDS)2] catalysed transfer hydrogenation of alkenes, ChemCatChem, 2021,13, 2371.
By screening all Group 1 metals (Li Cs), the efficiency of their catalyses gives an indication of the relative power of the synergistic effect exertedon magnesium by the alkali metal. The Cs Mg partnership shows the best efficiency with styrene, while K Mg works best with 1,1-diphenylethylene. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 33.
3. V. A. Pollard, A. Young, R. McLellan, A. R. Kennedy, T. Tuttle and R. E. Mulvey, Lithium-aluminate-catalyzed hydrophosphination applications, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2019, 58, 12291.
Synthesized, isolated, and characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopic studies, lithium phosphidoaluminate iBu3AlPPh2Li(THF)3 has been tested as a catalyst for hydrophosphination of alkynes, alkenes, and carbodiimides. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 42.
听4. 听V. A. Pollard, M. 脕ngeles Fuentes, A. R. Kennedy, R. McLellan and R. E. Mulvey, Comparing neutral (monometallic) and anionic (bimetallic) aluminum complexes in hydroboration catalysis: influences of lithium cooperation and ligand set. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 10651.听
Bimetallic lithium aluminates and neutral aluminum counterparts are compared as catalysts in hydroboration reactions with aldehydes, ketones, imines and alkynes. Possessing Li鈥揂l cooperativity, ate catalysts are found to be generally superior. Citaions (as of 29/1/25), 81.
5. A. J. Mart铆nez-Mart铆nez, A. R. Kennedy, R. E. Mulvey and C. T. O鈥橦ara, Directed ortho-尘别迟补鈥- and meta-尘别迟补鈥-dimetalations: a template base approach to deprotonation, 厂肠颈别苍肠别,听2014, 346, 834.
Here, we introduce a protocol by which the metalating agent, a disodium-monomagnesium alkyl-amide, forms a template that extends regioselectivity to more distant arene sites. Depending on the nature of the directing group, ortho-meta鈥 or meta-meta鈥 dimetalation is observed. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 163.
6. R. E. Mulvey, V. L. Blair, W. Clegg, A. R. Kennedy, J. Klett, L. Russo, Cleave and capture chemistry illustrated through bimetallic-induced fragmentation of tetrahydrofuran, Nature Chemistry, 2010, 2, 588.
听Opposite to the 鈥渟edation鈥 story in the 2009 Science paper, switching to a different bimetallic reagent leads to a catastrophic cleavage of THF, breaking 6 of its 13 bonds. All fragments are captured in novel crystalline bimetallic products. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 117.
7. A. R. Kennedy, J. Klett, R. E. Mulvey, D. S. Wright, Synergic sedation of sensitive anions: alkali-mediated zincation of cyclic ethers and ethene, Science, 2009, 326, 706.
This paper demonstrates that zinc reagents generally regarded to be poor bases can exhibit greatly enhanced deprotonating abilities when combined with sodium or potassium and that the sensitive ether or vinyl anions generated by such Zn-H exchanges can be stabilized through co-operative bimetallic bonding. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 129.
8. R. E. Mulvey, F. Mongin, M. Uchiyama, Y. Kondo, Deprotonative metalation using ate compounds: Synergy, synthesis, and structure building,听Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2007, 46, 3802.
This review reports that deprotonation accomplished by organometallic ate complexes has opened up new perspectives in organic chemistry with unprecedented reactivities and sometimes unusual and unpredictable regioselectivities. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 506.
9. D. R. Armstrong, W. Clegg, S. H. Dale, E. Hevia, L. M. Hogg, G. W. Honeyman, R. E. Mulvey, Directed meta-metalation using alkali-metal-mediated zincation, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 3775. 听
Metallation of substituted aromatic compounds usually occurs at the ortho position. 听Breaking this rule, this study reveals that deprotonation of anilines can be redirected to a meta site using a bimetallic reagent. Citations (as of 29/1/25) 95.
10. 听 W. Clegg, K. W. Henderson, A. R. Kennedy, R. E. Mulvey, C. T. O'Hara, R. B. Rowlings, D. M. Tooke, 听Regioselective tetrametalation of ferrocene in a single reaction: Extension of s-block inverse crown chemistry to the d-block, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 3902. 听
Previously no known organomagnesium reagent could deprotonate a metallocene, but here using a synergic sodium-magnesiate reagent, ferrocene could be deprotonated not once but four times. The outcome of this remarkable regioselective tetramagnesiation was a new 16-membered inverse crown ring structure). Citations (as of 29/1/25) 112.
Conference Presentations and Seminars
听2025
[160] New frontiers in alkali metal organometallic chemistry. ICMGSC 2025, IISER, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
[159] Deciphering cooperativities in s-block organoelement Chemistry. IISER, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
2024
[158] Cage and cluster molecules: you can count on electrons. University of Bern, Switzerland.
[157] Alkali metal heavyweights: potential big hitters in homogeneous catalysis. Heriot-Watt University.
[156] Caesium: a heavyweight champion in homogeneous catalysis. Beilstein Institute organic chemistry symposium, main-group chemistry for modern catalysis and synthesis, Limburg, Germany.
[155] Fundamentals and fascinations of organolithium chemistry from an inorganic perspective. University of Regensburg, Germany.
[154] Heavy and light alkali metals: potential big hitters in homogeneous catalysis. University of Regensburg, Germany.
2023
[153] Cage and cluster molecules. University of Bern, Switzerland.
[152] Alkali metal heavyweights: potential big hitters in homogeneous catalysis. XXXIX Reuni贸n Bienal De La Real Sociedad Espa艅ola De Quimica (RSEQ), Zaragoza, Spain.
[151] Alkali metal heavyweights: potential big hitters in homogeneous catalysis. ACS Spring Meeting, Indianapolis, USA, Abstract 3817019 INOR.
2022
[150] Beyond lithium: developing the chemistry of heavy alkali metal amides. ACS Fall Meeting, Chicago, USA, 3736725 INOR.
[149] Putting on weight: Heavy alkali metal mediation in synthesis and catalysis. 29th International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry (ICOMC 2022), Prague, Czech Republic, Abstract KL5C.
[148] Putting on weight: Heavy alkali metal mediation in synthesis and catalysis. University of Regensburg, Germany.
[147] Putting on weight: Heavy alkali metal mediation in synthesis and catalysis. RSC-IISER (Indian Institute for Science and Education Research) Desktop Seminar, Thiruvananthapuram, India (virtual presentation).
2021
[146] Alkali metal mediation in synthesis and catalysis. Summer School Solvation Science, Ruhr Universit盲t Bochum, Germany (virtual presentation).
2020
[145] Alkali metal mediation in synthesis and catalysis. Universit盲t Stuttgart, Germany (virtual presentation).
2019
[144] A university life in chemistry. St Aloysius鈥 College, Glasgow.
[143] A university life. New College, Durham.听听听听
[142] Alkali metal organometallics: masters of mediation. UK-Spain Organometallic Chemistry Symposium (USOCS2019), University of Alcal谩, Spain.
[141] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany.听听听听听听听听听听听
[140] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Eberhard Karls University of T眉bingen, Germany.
[139] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. University of G枚ttingen, Germany.
[138] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Ludwig-Maximilians Universit盲t, Munich, Germany.
[137] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. University of Sussex.
[136] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. University of Nottingham.
[135] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. University of Oxford.
[134] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. National Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
[133] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
2018
[132] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Freire Universit盲t Berlin, Germany.
[131] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. RWTH Aachen, Germany.
[130] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Friedrich-Alexander-Universit盲t Erlangen-N眉rnberg, Germany.
[129] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Ruhr Universit盲t, Bochum, Germany.
[128] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. Technische Universit盲t, Dortmund, Germany.听听听听听听听听听听
[127] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis. University of Regensburg, Germany.
2017
[126] Alkali metal mediation in synergistic synthesis and catalysis. University of Sheffield.
[125] Main group dihydropyridine surrogate hydrides: synthesis, structures, reactivity and catalytic applications. 254th ACS National Meeting, Washington DC, USA, INOR 736.
[124] "Synergistic Approaches to C-H Metallation: Template and Trans-Metal-Trapping". Cardiff University.
[123] Synergistic bimetallics for metallation of arenes and metallocenes. 15th Ferrocene Colloquium, Johannes Gutenberg-Universit盲t, Mainz, Germany.
2016
[122] Synergistic second-generation metalation chemistry. 27th Annual Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, ICOMC-2016, Melbourne, Australia.
[121] Pre-organized approaches to metallation chemistry. University of Oxford.
2015
[120] Pre-organized base approaches to arene and related metallation. Pacifichem, Hawaii, Abstract INOR 2041.
[119] Second generation metallation chemistry: synergistic templates. The 8th PKU-Eli Lilly Symposium of Organic Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing, China, September 17-19.
[118] Developing a complementary strategy to directed ortho-metalation: Directed meta-尘别迟补鈥 dimetalations of polyaromatics. 250th ACS National Meeting, Boston, USA, Abstract INOR 479.
[117] Template base directed metallations in arene and metallocene chemistry. 250th ACS National Meeting, Boston, USA, Abstract INOR 480.
[116] Template ring approaches to metallation chemistry. 14th International Symposium on Inorganic Ring Systems (IRIS-14), University of Regensburg, Germany.
[115] Alkali metal mediation in synthesis. Michael Lappert Memorial Symposium, Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, London.
2014
[114] Structural rules for boron, but what about lithium and the alkali metals? Ken Wade Celebration Symposium, University of Durham.
[113] TMP-aluminates: bases or bystanders in aromatic C-H deprotonation reactions? 248th ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, USA, Abstract INOR 971.
[112] Fundamentals of organolithium chemistry. University of Regensburg, Germany.
[111] Synergistic reactivities and structural insights in mixed-metal metallation chemistry of aromatic compounds. University of Regensburg, Germany.
[110] Synergistic reactivities and structural insights in mixed-metal metallation chemistry of aromatic compounds. University of Kiel, Germany.
[109] Deconvoluting the black art of metallation: understanding the benefits of placing two metals in the synthetic chemists鈥 palette. 247th ACS National Meeting, Dallas, USA, Abstract INOR 530.
2013
[108] FascinATES: synergistic reactivity in alkali-metal-mediated metallation. 10th International Symposium on Carbanion Chemistry, ISCC-10, Kyoto, Japan, Abstract IL-17.
[107] FascinATES: synergistic reactivity in mixed-metal metallation chemistry. GDCh Wissenschaftsforum Chemie, Darmstadt, Germany.
[106] FascinATES: two metals working together to create novel metallation chemistry. University of Georgia, Athens, USA.
[105] Main Group heterobimetallic fascinATES: surprising cooperative reactivity. 245th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, USA, Abstract INOR 1063.
[104] The art of metallation: benefits of placing two metals in the synthetic chemists鈥 palette. Scottish Dalton Meeting, Heriot-Watt University.
[103] FascinATES: synergic bimetallics in metallation chemistry. Joint symposium with Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, 糖心视频.
2012
[102] FascinATES: two metals co-operating to create novel chemistry. RWTH University, Germany.
[101] FascinATES: synthetic and structural consequences of bimetallic co-operation. ICCC40, International Conference on Coordination Chemistry. Valencia, Spain, Abstract MS.C3.C.04.
[100] Fascin(ATES): synthetic and structural consequences of bimetallic co-operation in metallation chemistry. ICOMC, XXV International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry. Lisbon, Portugal, Abstract O6.6.
[99] Synergic stabilization of sensitive anions by a sodium-zinc reagent: applications to N-Boc pyrrolidine chemistry. 243rd American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Diego, USA, Abstract INOR 1198.
[98] FascinATES: two metals working together to create novel metallation chemistry. University of Bristol.
2011
[97] FascinATES: two metals working together to create novel metallation chemistry. Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.
[96] FascinATES: two metals working together to create novel metallation chemistry. AGICHEM 2011, 8th International Conference on Inorganic Chemistry, Heidelberg, Germany.
[95] Structurally powered synergic TMP-bimetallics: new developments in metallation chemistry. 43rd IUPAC Conference, Puerto Rico, Abstract No. 801.
[94] Molecular Architecture and Synergy in Organometallic Chemistry. International Symposium on Molecular Aesthetics, ZKM, Karlsruhe, Germany.
[93] Two metals are better than one: co-operative bimetallics for chemical synthesis. 11th West of Scotland Meeting for Teachers of Chemistry, 糖心视频.
2010
[92] Advances in alkali-metal-mediated metallation. Symposium in early main group chemistry. Pacifichem, Hawaii, USA.
[91] Synergic surprises from bimetallic metallating agents: cleave and capture chemistry. Symposium on carbanions: modern perspectives in structure, reactivity and synthesis. Pacifichem, Hawaii, USA.
[90] Structurally powered synergic bimetallics: applications in metallation chemistry. University College Dublin, Ireland.
[89] Multicomponent metallating agents: structurally designed for special reactivity. Gideon Fraenkel Celebration Lecture, The Ohio State University, USA.
[88] Multicomponent metallating agents: structurally engineered for special reactivity. ISCC-9, Florence, Italy.
[87] Turbo-Grignard reagents: structural characterization in solid (X-ray) and solution (DOSY-NMR) states. 239th American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Francisco, USA. Abstract No. INOR 123.
[86] Social and structural synergy: Clegg, Snaith, and Mulvey meet the alkali metals. Bill Clegg Symposium, University of Newcastle.
2009
[85] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. University of Newcastle.
[84] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and reactive anion trapping. Scottish Dalton Meeting, University of St. Andrews, UK.
[83] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. 42nd IUPAC Congress, Glasgow, UK.
[82] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules with alkali metal-heteroatom ligand-metal bridges. ICHAC-9, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
[81] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. Universit盲t Karlsruhe (TH), Germany.
[80] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. University of G枚ttingen, Germany.
[79] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. University of Nottingham.
[78] Inorganic synthesis at WestCHEM. International Review of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh.
[77] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. University of Manchester.
[76] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. Zing Main Group Chemistry Conference, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
[75] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universit盲t, Frankfurt, Germany.
2008
[74] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules:听 low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. New Chemistry of the Elements Symposium, Royal Society London.
[73] Synergic surprises from bimetallic molecules: low polarity metallation, inverse crowns and hot anion trapping. Ludwig-Maximilians Universit盲t, Munich, Germany.
[72] Direct C-H metalation with Mg, Zn, Mn(II), Cr(II) and Fe(II): new inverse crown architectures. Forty-Second USIC Conference, 糖心视频.听
[71] Direct C-H metalation with Mg, Zn, Mn(II), Cr(II) and Fe(II): new inverse crown architectures. 236th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Philadelphia, USA. Abstract No. INOR 52.听
[70] Alkali-metal-mediated organotransitionmetallation: a method for directly attaching transition metals to aromatic frameworks. 235th American Chemical Society National Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Abstract No. INOR 450.
[69] Synergic synthesis and structure building: alkali-metal-mediated metallation. RSC Dalton Division Symposium, University of Durham.
2007
[68] Synergic synthesis and structure building: alkali-metal-mediated metallation. University of Reading.听听
[67] Alkali-metal-mediated metallation: application to cross-coupling reactions. USIC Conference, University of Edinburgh.听听听
[66] Main group dominance of transition metal chemistry: alkali-metal-mediated manganation. RSC Dalton Division Meeting on Main Group Chemistry, University of Bristol.听
[65] Synergic synthesis and structure building: alkali-metal-mediated transition metallation. Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
[64] Synergic synthesis and structure building: alkali-metal-mediated magnesiation and zincation. Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.听
[63] Organolithium reagents: structurally defining key reactions. Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.听
[62] Organolithium reagents: in their own right. Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
2006
[61] Alkali-metal-mediated metallation: a new concept of synergic synthesis. USIC Conference, University of St. Andrews.听
[60] Synergic alkali-metal mediated magnesiation and zincation: introducing directed meta metalation. Gordon Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.听
[59] Alkali-metal-mediated zincation (AMMZ): synergic synthesis in action. RSC Dalton Division Meeting on Main Group Chemistry, University College, London.听听听听听听
[58] Applications of synergic mixed-metal reagents in synthesis and structure building. WestCHEM Research Day, University of Glasgow.
[57] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in arene and metallocene deprotonation reactions. University of Wales, Bangor.
2005 听
[56] Applications of alkali metal-mediated magnesiation and zincation in synthesis and supramolecular structure building. Pacifichem 2005, Honolulu, Hawaii, Abstract No. INOR 11.听
[55] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in arene and metallocene deprotonation reactions. XXX Reuni贸n Bienal De La Real Sociedad Espa艅ola De Quimica, Lugo, Spain. Abstract No. G11-16.听
[54] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in arene and metallocene deprotonation reactions. University of Mainz, Germany.听
[53] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in arene and metallocene deprotonation reactions. RSC Dalton Division Meeting on Main Group Chemistry, University College, London.听
[52] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry.听Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.听
[51] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry. Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.听
[50] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry.听Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
[49] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry.听Ohio-state University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.听
[48] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry. University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.听
[47] Synergic deprotonation of arenes and metallocenes using mixed-metal bases. 229th ACS National Meeting, San Diego, USA. Abstract No. INOR 875.
[46] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry. 糖心视频.听
[45] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry. University of Edinburgh.听
2004
[44] Mixed-metal molecular synergy and its application in inverse crown chemistry. University of Durham.听听
[43] Synergic metallation of bis(arene) chromium molecules using mixed alkali metal-magnesium amide bases. USIC, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Abstract O10.
[42] Bigamy is better: novel reactions and structures promoted by mixed-metal amide reagents. Imperial College, University of London.
2003
[41] Anionic polymerisation of MMA using novel s-block organometallic initiators. USIC Conference, 糖心视频, Abstract 01.听
[40] Novel mixed alkali metal-alkali metal alkoxide cage structures.听听Alkchem-3, W眉rzburg, Germany, Abstract P35.听
[39] Oxygen incorporation in mixed s-block macrocyclic amide-ring systems. 218th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, USA.
[38] From simple lithium organonitrogen rings to complex inverse crown rings: from Snaith the Teacher to Snaith the Inspirer.听Alkchem-3, W眉rzburg, Germany.听
[37] New synergic metalation reactions of metallocenes and other molecules using heterobimetallic s-metal mixtures. IRIS X, Burlington, Vermont, USA, Abstract 1-7.
[36] Novel metallation reactions of metallocenes and other molecules using synergic main group metal amides.听University of Bath.听
[35] Novel metallation reactions of metallocenes and other molecules using synergic main group metal amides. UMIST.听
[34] Bigamy is better: novel reactions and structures promoted by mixed-metal amide reagents. Royal Society of Chemistry South East Wales Section, Cardiff University.
2002
[33] New Insights into superbase chemistry. USIC Conference, University of Edinburgh, Abstract No. MA4.听
[32] Novel metalation reactions of metallocenes and other molecules using synergic main group metal amide mixtures. 224th ACS National Meeting, Boston, USA, Abstract No. INOR 678.
[31] Hungry inverse crown ligands: devouring sandwich complexes. University of Leeds.
2001
[30] Hungry inverse crown ligands: devouring sandwich complexes.听USIC Conference, University of St. Andrews.
[29] Chemical and structural synergism in heterometallic s-block amide chemistry. ISCC-6, Marburg, Germany, Abstract No. IL5.听
[28] Developments in heterometallic s-block chemistry from inverse crown ether rings to cage structures.听University of Bristol.听
[27] Inverse crowns and related mixed-metal macrocycles of the s-block.听University of Cambridge.听
[26] Inverse crown ether complexes and related mixed-metal macrocycles of the s-block. University of Leicester.
2000
[25] Extending the remarkable family of inverse crowns and related mixed-metal macrocycles. Pacifichem 2000, Honolulu, Hawaii, Abstract No. INOR 1320.
1997
听[24] Mixed lithium-magnesium structural chemistry of hexamethyldisilazane. USIC Conference, University of Glasgow.
1999
[23] Inverse crown ether complexes: metal-based macrocyclic hosts with anion cores. Scottish Dalton Meeting, University of St. Andrews.听
1998
[22] Mixed metal macrocycles of the s-block. Symposium on Contemporary Main Group Chemistry, the Royal Society of Chemistry, London.听
[21] Inverse 鈥榗rown ether鈥 complexes : cyclic rings containing metal cations which capture oxygen-based atoms or molecules. Main Group Chemistry Symposium, University of Durham.
1997
[20] Ladders and extensions in alkali metal amide structural chemistry. AGICHEM 4, Marburg, Germany.听
[19] Ladders and extensions in alkali metal amide chemistry.听The Royal Society of Chemistry, Autumn Meeting, Aberdeen.听
[18] Recent developments in the alkali metal chemistry of primary amines. Heriot-Watt University.
1996
[17] Studies of cocomplexes between trimethylaluminium and alkali metal complexes. Thirtieth USIC Conference, University of St. Andrews.
[16] Introducing a new category of intermetallic complex containing three different alkali metals. XVIIth International Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, Brisbane Australia, Abstract No. PA5.听
听1995
[15] Potassium dihydrotriazines-a new genus of metallate complex. Twenty-Nineth USIC Conference, 糖心视频.
[14] Synthetic and structural studies of organo derivatives of the s-block metals. University of Leeds.
1994
[13] Exploring the lithium magnesium diagonal relationship with organo partners. RSC Endowed Lectureship Symposium, St Andrews, UK.
[12] Alkali and alkaline-earth metal 鈥榓tes. First International Meeting on the chemistry of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, Cambridge, UK.
[11] The lithium-magnesium diagonal relationship: cages versus chains in organoelement derivatives. The Royal Society of Chemistry, Autumn Meeting, University of Glasgow.
1993
[10] Structural and mechanistic variations in the alkali metal amide chemistry of dibenzylamine. 206th ACS National Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Abstract 0079.
[9] The role of lithium in the cyclotrimerisation of nitriles: uncovering 鈥渉idden鈥 chemistry. Scottish Dalton Meeting, 糖心视频.
听1992
[8] A compendium of coordination studies in early main group chemistry.University of Newcastle.
[7] Helices, heterocycles and habits in early main group chemistry. Symposium on 鈥楳ain Group Element Chemistry鈥.听 University of Cambridge, UK.听
[6] Studies of some alkali metal imide and alkali metal triazine complexes. Twenty-seventh USIC conference, University of St. Andrews.
[5] Structural variations in alkali metal amide chemistry and their influence on reactivity. 203rd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California, Abstract no. 762.
1991
[4] New structural developments in sodium organometallic chemistry. First international meeting on inorganic chemistry between The Royal Society of Chemistry/Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker. University of Sussex.
听1989
[3] Alkali metal molecular architecture (Meldola Medal lecture). International Symposium on 鈥楴ew Directions in Organometallic Chemistry鈥, London.听
听1987
[2] A mixed alkali metal organonitrogen oligomer. Twenty-Second USIC Conference, Ross Priory.
听1986
[1] Rings, stacked rings and ladders in lithium chemistry. The Royal Society of Chemistry, Dalton Division Spring Meeting, 糖心视频.
PhD External Examiner Appointments
UK: University of Bath; University of Bristol; University of Cambridge x 12; Cardiff University; University College London; University of Durham; University of Edinburgh x 4; Imperial College, London x 4; University of Leicester; University of Manchester; Newcastle University x 3; University of Nottingham x 2; University of St Andrews; University of Sussex x 2.
International: University of Bern, Switzerland; Ruhr Universit盲t, Bochum, Germany; RWTH Aachen University, Germany; Monash University x 2, Australia; The University of New South Wales, Australia; Trinity College, Ireland.
External Examiner Appointments (Undergraduate degree courses)
University of Edinburgh (2021-2025)
University of Oxford (2018-2021)
University of Manchester (2015-2019)
University of St Andrews (2012-2015)
University of Newcastle (2007-2010)
University of Glasgow (2004-2007)
听听
听
听
听听
听
听
听
听
听听
Prize And Awards
- Recipient
- 8/4/2024
- Recipient
- 1/7/2019
- Recipient
- 2018
- Recipient
- 2017
- Recipient
- 2016
- Recipient
- 18/9/2015
Publications
- , Anderson David E, Hevia Eva, , , , ,
- Inorganic Chemistry Vol 65, pp. 7993鈥8004 (2026)
- Kr盲mer Felix, ,
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition Vol 65 (2026)
- Roa David S谩nchez, , Hevia Eva
- ACS Catalysis Vol 16, pp. 2935-2951 (2026)
- Kr盲mer Felix, , Fern谩ndez Israel,
- Chemical Communications Vol 62, pp. 1215-1219 (2026)
- ,
- CHIMIA Vol 79, pp. 832-837 (2025)
- Kr盲mer Felix, , Fern谩ndez Israel,
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition Vol 64 (2025)
Professional Activities
- Invited speaker
- 14/1/2026
- Invited speaker
- 19/12/2025
- Invited speaker
- 6/7/2025
- Invited speaker
- 13/6/2025
- Examiner
- 9/6/2025
- Invited speaker
- 17/2/2025
Projects
- Mulvey, Robert (Principal Investigator)
- 01-Jan-2025 - 01-Jan-2028
- Mulvey, Robert (Principal Investigator) Robertson, Stuart (Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2024 - 31-Jan-2028
- Weetman, Catherine (Principal Investigator) Mulvey, Robert (Co-investigator) Murphy, F谩inch茅 (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2021 - 17-Jan-2025
- Mulvey, Robert (Principal Investigator) Robertson, Stuart (Co-investigator) Lynch, Jennifer (Research Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2020 - 17-Jan-2024
- Mulvey, Robert (Principal Investigator) Robertson, Stuart (Co-investigator)
- 01-Jan-2020 - 31-Jan-2024
- Mulvey, Robert (Principal Investigator)
- Bespoke Bimetallics for Chemical Cooperativity
- 01-Jan-2019 - 31-Jan-2022
Contact
Professor
Robert
Mulvey
Pure and Applied Chemistry
Email: r.e.mulvey@strath.ac.uk
Tel: Unlisted