Dr Thomas Schlatzer

Academic Subject(s): Chemistry

Teaching

I am teaching Organic Chemistry to undergraduates reading Chemistry. First-year topics include fundamental concepts (e.g., acidity/basicity, stereochemistry, substitution vs. elimination) as well as exploring the core reactivity of alkenes, aromatics and carbonyl compounds. With second-year students, I am working on advanced topics including conformational analysis and developing skills key in the planning of organic syntheses (retrosynthesis, functional group interconversions, application of protecting groups, etc.).

Research

Fluorochemicals are essential for our modern society being applied in metallurgical industry, Li-ion batteries, electronics, fluoropolymers, refrigerants, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. In contrast to their wide-spread applications, all fluorochemicals originate from the naturally occurring mineral fluorspar, relying on an energy-intensive and intrinsically dangerous process entailing the generation and handling of hydrogen fluoride – a highly toxic and corrosive gas. Despite stringent safety measures, spillages of associated chemicals have caused fatalities and detrimental impacts on the environment.

With current global challenges in mind, the rejuvenation of fluorine chemistry through formulating innovative solutions to a long-standing problem is overdue. My research focuses on the development of safe and sustainable processes that enable access to indispensable fluorochemicals avoiding the production of hydrogen fluoride thus decreasing energy requirements and superseding high-maintenance supply chains.