Overview

The LCM* is part of the Chemistry Department at École polytechnique. It is a mixed research unit (UMR 9168) of the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and École polytechnique. It is directed by Cédric Tard (Director, CRCN, CNRS). It consists of 20 permanent staff (9 CNRS researchers, and 11 engineers, technicians, and administrative staff from École polytechnique or CNRS) as well as around 15 non-permanent staff (Masters, Doctoral students, Post-Doctoral researchers). Research revolves around three research themes and a technical support platform for research.

LCM research activities, focusing on both fundamental and applied aspects, cover a wide spectrum of molecular chemistry, from organometallic chemistry to physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. This includes the synthesis and characterization of organometallic and coordination complexes, as well as their applications in catalysis, particularly for the development of new bond creation methodologies. The theory/experiment interface is also a strong point of the laboratory, mainly for elucidating reaction mechanisms and understanding the electronic properties of transition metal and heavy element complexes. The activity also involves the development of original methodologies, both experimental and simulation-based, for the detection and structural analysis of biological, organic, and inorganic molecules.

*established on January 1, 2014. It originated from the merger of two former units, the Heteroelements and Coordination Laboratory (DCPH - UMR 7651) and the Laboratory of Reaction Mechanisms (DCMR – UMR 7653).