Blood could supply haem centre for biomass-supported catalyst

Haemoglobin

Source: © Maria-Magdalena Titirici/Imperial College London

Haemoglobin-derived catalyst used to reduce nitroarene into aromatic amines

Researchers have repurposed iron complexes found in blood into a catalyst that can hydrogenate organic molecules. The catalyst, which is also made from xylose, is fully derived from biomass-based resources, and has excellent stability and potential for recyclability.