Highly efficient reversible hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formates using a Ruthenium PNP-pincer catalyst

The use of hydrogen as a fuel requires both safe and robust technologies for its storage and transportation. Formic acid (FA) produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 is recognized as a potential intermediate H2 carrier. Herein, we present the development of a formate-based H2 storage system that employs a Ru PNP-pincer catalyst. The high stability of this system allows cyclic operation with an exceptionally fast loading and liberation of H2. Kinetic studies highlight the crucial role of the base promoter, which controls the rate-determining step in FA dehydrogenation and defines the total H2 capacity attainable from the hydrogenation of CO2. The reported findings show promise for the development of practical technologies that use formic acid as a hydrogen carrier

Highly efficient reversible hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formates using a Ruthenium PNP-pincer catalyst

The use of hydrogen as a fuel requires both safe and robust technologies for its storage and transportation. Formic acid (FA) produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 is recognized as a potential intermediate H2 carrier. Herein, we present the development of a formate-based H2 storage system that employs a Ru PNP-pincer catalyst. The high stability of this system allows cyclic operation with an exceptionally fast loading and liberation of H2. Kinetic studies highlight the crucial role of the base promoter, which controls the rate-determining step in FA dehydrogenation and defines the total H2 capacity attainable from the hydrogenation of CO2. The reported findings show promise for the development of practical technologies that use formic acid as a hydrogen carrier

Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene aminopincer ligands enable high activity in Ru-catalyzed ester hydrogenation

Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) aminopincer ligands were for the first time successfully applied in catalytic hydrogenation of esters. We have isolated and characterized a well-defined catalyst precursor as a dimeric [Ru2(L)2Cl3]PF6 complex and studied its reactivity and catalytic performance. Remarkable initial activities up to 283 000 h-1 were achieved in hydrogenation of ethyl hexanoate at only 12.5 ppm Ru loading. A wide range of aliphatic and aromatic esters can be converted with this catalyst to corresponding alcohols in near quan-titative yields. The described synthetic protocol makes use of air stable reagents available in multigram quantities rendering the bis-NHC ligands an attractive alternative to the conventional phosphine-based systems

Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene aminopincer ligands enable high activity in Ru-catalyzed ester hydrogenation

Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) aminopincer ligands were for the first time successfully applied in catalytic hydrogenation of esters. We have isolated and characterized a well-defined catalyst precursor as a dimeric [Ru2(L)2Cl3]PF6 complex and studied its reactivity and catalytic performance. Remarkable initial activities up to 283 000 h-1 were achieved in hydrogenation of ethyl hexanoate at only 12.5 ppm Ru loading. A wide range of aliphatic and aromatic esters can be converted with this catalyst to corresponding alcohols in near quan-titative yields. The described synthetic protocol makes use of air stable reagents available in multigram quantities rendering the bis-NHC ligands an attractive alternative to the conventional phosphine-based systems

A case study of haemoglobinopathy screening in the Netherlands: witnessing the past, lessons for the future

Item does not contain fulltextOBJECTIVES: In 2007 neonatal screening (NNS) was expanded to include screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) and beta-thalassaemia. Up until that year no formal recommendations for haemoglobinopathy (carrier) screening existed in the Netherlands. Although it has been subject to debate in the past, preconceptional and prenatal haemoglobinopathy carrier screening are not part of routine healthcare in the Netherlands. This study aimed to explore the decision-making process of the past: why was the introduction of a screening programme for haemoglobinopathy considered to be untimely, and did ethnicity play a role given the history in other countries surrounding the introduction of haemoglobinopathy screening? DESIGN: A witness seminar was organised, inviting key figures to discuss the decision-making process concerning haemoglobinopathy screening in the Netherlands, thereby adding new perspectives on past events. The transcript was content-analysed. RESULTS: The subject of haemoglobinopathy screening first appeared in the 1970s. As opposed to a long history of neglect of African-American health in the United States, the heritage of the Second World War influenced the decision-making process in the Netherlands. As a consequence, registration of ethnicity surfaced as an impeding factor. However, overall, official Dutch screening policy was restrained regarding reproductive issues caused by fear of eugenics. In the 1990s haemoglobinopathy screening was found to be 'not opportune' due to low prevalence, lack of knowledge and fear of stigmatisation. Currently the registration of ethnicity remains on the political agenda, but still proves to be a sensitive subject. DISCUSSION: Carrier screening in general never appeared high on the policy agenda. Registration of ethnicity remains sensitive caused by the current political climate. Complexities related to carrier screening are a challenge in Dutch healthcare. Whether carrier screening will be considered a valuable complementary strategy in the Netherlands, depends partly on participation of representatives of high-risk groups in policy making