Vorträge-Koll

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Appendino, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy: Serendipity in the age of artificial intelligence: Are we missing something? Derek Barton claimed that most of the important reactions of organic chemistry were discovered accidentally, with a discovery being simply what happens when luck strikes the right person. Chance can, indeed, be a sparkle, but it still needs something to ignite, and an open mind will be necessary to make full use of it. The seminar will discuss classic and more recent examples of accidental (serendipitous) discoveries in organic chemistry, classifying their trigger into unpredictable observations, clumsy laboratory behavior, and illogic plans. Their analysis will highlight the relevance for the advancement of knowledge of what cannot be planned and that, because of its lack of logic, lies substantially outside the realm of AI.

Crossing the Border - Structural Chemistry around the Zintl Line Alkali metal Zintl phases can be traced back to the investigative works of Eduard Zintl himself, who reported on the structural characterization of textbook-known sodium thallide (NaTl) already in 1932. Interestingly, thallium, as a group 13 element, is located to the left of the so-called Zintl line, which separates the p-block elements concerning the formation of either salt(-like) or metallic compounds in intermetallic materials of the alkali or alkaline earth metals. In my talk, we will cross the Zintl-line. Solution and crystallization studies of group 14 element Zintl salts in liquid ammonia will be introduced.

During the event, you can look forward to exciting presentations by research groups from both within Germany and from abroad, as well as a poster session that promotes the exchange and presentation of current research work. Take the opportunity to make new contacts and gain inspiration for your work.