Nicole S. van Leeuwen

PhD candidate
University of Amsterdam

Department

van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Contact information

Room
Science Park 904, E1.14

Email address
n.s.vanleeuwen@uva.nl

Key expertises

Homogeneous catalysis, inorganic chemistry, inert chemistry, outreach

About me

I started my studies at the Maastricht University, with an interest in the molecular aspect of science. I spend a semester in the UK for my bachelor thesis. After this, I moved to Amsterdam and obtained my master degree in chemistry. I am particularly interested in inorganic synthesis and molecular reactivity, and am currently doing a PhD in homogeneous catalysis under Prof. Dr. Bas de Bruin. In my free time, I like to meet up with friends, be outside and draw.

About my research

In my PhD project, I work on the valorization of simple organic molecules via homogeneous catalysis, in collaboration with Nobian. I investigate the reactivity of carbon-heteroatom bonds for metal-mediated radical and carbene chemistry. I enjoy merging inorganic chemistry with organic transformations, and am particularly interested in the molecular aspect of chemistry. Therefore, I also perform mechanistic studies and DFT in addition to catalyst development and reaction optimization.

Academic career

PhD candidate (University of Amsterdam) 2019- ongoing: PhD candidate in homogeneous catalysis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bas de Bruin. In addition, member of the Diversity & Inclusion committee of the institute. Master in Chemistry (Joint degree UvA/VU) 2017-2019: MSc in Chemistry obtained as joined degree between the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, graduated Cum Laude. Master Thesis (48 ETCS) in coordination chemistry at the HomKat group (UvA), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. ir. Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt. Erasmus + traineeship (University of Bath) 2017: Erasmus+ traineeship integrated in the bachelor thesis (30 ECT). Project in photoelectrochemistry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Frank Marken (University of Bath, UK). Investigation of hematite photoelectrodes for water splitting. Bachelor (Maastricht University) 2014-2017: BSc in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Maastricht Science Programme, Maastricht University. Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Awards and scientific honors

HRSMC poster prize (2022)

ARC CBBC publications

Atom Transfer Radical Addition of Activated Primary Alkyl Chlorides Using In Situ Generated [Cp*RuII(Cl)(PR3)] Catalysts

N.S. van Leeuwen, S. Mathew, C.E.J. van Lare, M.P. Ahr, A. Zwijnenburg, S. Pullen, B. de Bruin

Isocyanate-Free Polyurea Synthesis via Ru-Catalyzed Carbene Insertion into the N–H Bonds of Urea

F.J. de Zwart, P.C.M. Laan, N.S. van Leeuwen, E.O. Bobylev, E.R. Amstalden van Hove, S. Mathew, N. Yan, J. Flapper, K.J. van den Berg, J.N.H. Reek, and B. de Bruin