His research interests comprise the study of fundamental processes in organometallic chemistry, the
application of organometallic complexes as catalysts for homogeneous catalysis, in particular for finechemical synthesis, and as materials with special physicochemical properties (molecular wires and
switches). He is well known for his ground breaking fundamental and applied research on XCX-pincer
metal complexes that is a field of research he started with the finding of the first examples of metalmediated, reversible C-C bond cleavage reactions in 1978. The preparation and use of the first
examples of homogeneous metallodendrimer catalysts demonstrate his interest for supramolecular
systems with (organometallic) catalytically active functionalities. Recent developments involve the
introduction of the XCX-pincer metal units in polypeptide chains, carbohydrates and in the active site
of serine hydrolases. Furthermore, systems are under development for cascade catalysis that is
connected to his current interest in the development of sustainable (green) chemistry.