Dr. Robert Morris

Biography

Robert Morris is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His research interests revolve around Biological Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of transition metal chemistry, particularly focusing on iron group metals. His work explores new reactions involving the splitting of dihydrogen and identifies novel intermediates, which include non-classical hydrogen bonds. Professor Morris has led the discovery of new catalysts that operate through novel mechanisms involving metal-ligand bifunctional catalysis. Notably, he has developed iron-based catalysts for the asymmetric reduction of ketones to produce enantiopure alcohols, which are important in various industrial applications such as pharmaceuticals and perfumes. His research emphasizes the potential of low-cost, non-toxic iron catalysts compared to more expensive platinum metals. Morris's lab also prepares a diverse array of transition metal hydride complexes, uncovering new reactivity and catalytic mechanisms. His work is supported by knowledge in bioinorganic chemistry, particularly regarding hydrogenase enzymes, and he aims to rationally design the next generations of active selective catalysts that are informed by nature's own systems.

Research Interests

Experience