The Day Group

Organometallic chemistry for sustainability

Our lab is pioneering sustainable solutions for the fine-chemical, commodity chemical, and materials sectors through the development of advanced catalytic systems based on Earth-abundant transition metals. By reimagining the potential of these metals, we aim to create transformative and sustainable alternatives to traditional, resource-intensive catalytic processes.

Catalysis is a cornerstone of modern chemistry, driving advancements in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals to materials science. However, the reliance on rare and precious transition metals poses significant environmental and economic challenges due to their scarcity and the ecological impact of their extraction. Our research addresses this critical issue by designing novel reactions and catalysts centered on Earth-abundant transition metals (i.e., Fe, Co, Ni). Rather than simply replicating existing noble-metal catalysts, we aim to unlock entirely new synthetic transformations that redefine the boundaries of sustainable and cost-effective chemistry.

Our work has broad applications, spanning the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, commodity chemicals, and next-generation plastics. By integrating a multidisciplinary approach—encompassing organic, inorganic, organometallic, physical, photo-, and electro-chemistry—we focus on understanding and controlling the reactivity of first-row transition metal catalysts. Collaborating with experts in advanced spectroscopy and computational theory, we develop rational catalytic methodologies to tackle pressing global sustainability challenges. Through these efforts, we are paving the way for innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible chemical processes that align with the principles of green chemistry.

 

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen (3/2025 – Present)

Postdoctoral Fellow - Prof. Jeremiah Johnson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA (10/2024 – 2/2025)

Postdoctoral Researcher - Prof. Troels Skrydstrup, Aarhus University, Denmark (8/2022 – 9/2023)

Ph.D. in Chemistry - Prof. Ruben Martin, ICIQ, Spain (1/2019 – 7/2022)

Visiting Researcher - Prof. John Hartwig, UC Berkeley, USA (3/2021 – 9/2021)

M. Sc. In Chemistry - Prof. Deryn Fogg, University of Ottawa, Canada (1/2017 – 1/2019)

B. Sc. in Chemistry - Prof. Michael Organ, York University, Canada (8/2012 – 8/2016)

 

2024 Scripps-Sinocompound Young Investigator Award

2023 IUPAC-SOLVAY International Award for Young Chemists
* Awarded among 5 best chemistry PhD theses globally

BASF-ICIQ 2023 Award for the Best Doctoral Thesis in Chemistry
* Awarded to best PhD theses in Portugal or Spain from 2020-2023

2023 ICIQ/URV Doctorate Excellence Award

2022 Lilly-RSEQ PhD Award

71th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Participant, European Commission Nominee

 

For a full list of publications see my Google Scholar

Selected Publications

  1. Day, C. S.;* Ton, S. J. Kaussler, C.; Hoffmann, D. V.; Skrydstrup, T.* “Low Pressure Carbonylation of Benzyl Carbonates and Carbamates for Applications in 13C Isotope Labeling and Catalytic CO2 Reduction” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, e202308238
  2. Day, C. S.;* Martin, R.* “Comproportionation and Disproportionation Pathways of Nickel and Copper Complexes” Chem. Soc. Rev. 2023, 52, 6601-6616
  3. Day, C. S.; Rentería, A.; Ton, S. J.; Gogoi, A.;† Gutierrez, O.;* Martin, R.* “Factors Contributing to Electron Transfer for Polypyridine Ligated Nickel Complexes” Nat. Catal. 2023, 6 (3), 244-253.
  4. Day, C. S.; Somerville, R. J.; Martin, R.* “Deciphering the Dichotomy Exerted by Zn(II) in the Catalytic sp2 C–O Bond Functionalization of Aryl Esters at the Molecular Level” Nat. Catal. 2021, 4, 124-133.

 

If one of the research topics our group works on interests you, please reach out for more details about getting involved in our group. Research projects span from fundamental studies to applied research and are tailored to best suit your interests and ambitions. Interested candidates can contact me at any time at the H. C. Ørsted institute in my office B520 or by email (csd@chem.ku.dk). Specific information related to your career stage is given below.

 

 

Summer/Undergraduate, Bachelor projects (third year) and Master projects (fourth/fifth year) are continuously available in the group. Please contact me if you are interested.  

Other opportunities (i.e., Erasmus + or other): If you are interested in applying for external funding opportunities to support your research in the group, then please contact me by email, and include your CV and the funding source you are interested in applying for.

 

 

Fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions are advertised periodically when funding is available. If you are interested in doctoral/postdoctoral studies in the group, then please get in touch as early as possible. An application typically consists of a CV, a cover letter, and 2-3 references from academic mentors.

Other opportunities (i.e., Faculty of Science, international or national funding sources or other): If you have a competitive CV and are interested in applying for external funding opportunities to support your PhD or postdoctoral research in the group, please contact me by email at any time and include your CV.  Please get in touch as early as possible to leave enough time to work out a strategy for funding from national or international funding organizations.

 

 

Contact

Craig S. Day

Assistant Professor
Office: B520
Phone: +45 91 72 11 39
E-mail: csd@chem.ku.dk

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