PhD in (macro)molecular chemistry (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The Superpowers of Non-N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Applications in Materials Chemistry, Catalysis, and Upcycling of End-of-Life Polymers

Carbenes, which are divalent carbon species once deemed too unstable for practical use, were tamed through the pioneering work of Bertrand and Arduengo, who synthesized the first stable singlet carbenes. In particular, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) revolutionized the fields of organometallic and organic catalysis. Now, it is non-NHC carbenes that are opening exciting new avenues. , These species, true "molecular Swiss Army knives”, exhibit exceptional reactivity that sets them apart from their NHC counterparts, both in their ground and excited states.
The goal of this thesis is to leverage their unique electronic properties to access novel structures and reactivities. Targeted applications include "green" catalysis, the design of smart materials (magnetic, optoelectronic ), and surface functionalization. An innovative aspect focuses on upcycling: using these carbenes in their excited state to modify polymers derived from waste and give them a second life.
The thesis will combine organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and catalysis, while employing a range of characterization techniques such as multinuclear NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Size Exclusion Chromatography, and more. This project lies at the intersection of fundamental chemistry and technological challenges, with strong potential to contribute to the ecological transition. The results could inspire solutions for energy, the circular economy, or medicine, while pushing the boundaries of carbene chemistry.
The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoy working in a team with collaborators from diverse scientific backgrounds.
 Gross salary : 2300€/month (36 months) – Starting date : September-October 2026

 Contact : Joan Vignolle (joan.vignolle@enscbp.fr)


 Salaire brut : 2300€/mois (36 mois) – Début du contrat : Septembre-Octobre 2026

 Contact : Joan Vignolle (joan.vignolle@enscbp.fr)

References:
Igau, Alain.; Grutzmacher, Hansjorg.; Baceiredo, Antoine.; Bertrand, Guy. Analogous .Alpha.,.Alpha.'-Bis-Carbenoid, Triply Bonded Species: Synthesis of a Stable .Lambda.3-Phosphino Carbene-.Lambda.5-Phosphaacetylene. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988, 110 (19), 6463
Arduengo, A. J. I.; Harlow, R. L.; Kline, M. A Stable Crystalline Carbene. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1991, 113 (1), 361
Bourissou, D.; Guerret, O.; Gabbaï, F. P.; Bertrand, G. Stable Carbenes. Chem. Rev. 2000, 100 (1), 39
Hopkinson, M. N.; Richter, C.; Schedler, M.; Glorius, F. An Overview of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes. Nature 2014, 510 (7506), 485
Vignolle, J.; Cattoën, X.; Bourissou, D. Stable Noncyclic Singlet Carbenes. Chem. Rev. 2009, 109 (8), 3333
Melaimi, M.; Jazzar, R.; Soleilhavoup, M.; Bertrand, G. Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbenes (CAACs): Recent Developments. Angew Chem Int Ed 2017, 56 (34), 10046
Sobczak, Q.; Kunche, A.; Magis, D.; Carrizo, D. S.; Miqueu, K.; Sotiropoulos, J.-M.; Cloutet, E.; Brochon, C.; Landais, Y.; Taton, D.; Vignolle, J. Direct and Selective Access to Amino-Poly(Phenylene Vinylenes)s with Switchable Properties by Dimerizing Polymerization of Aminoaryl Carbenes. Nat Commun 2021, 12 (1), 4093

Your Work Environment

The thesis will be carried out at the LCPO (Laboratory of Organic Polymer Chemistry), a major player in France for 40 years in the synthesis, formulation, and characterization of polymer materials. The thesis will take place within the “polymerization catalysis and engineering” team.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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