Rate My Professor Belén Martin-Matute

Belén Martín-Matute is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Stockholm University’s Department of Chemistry. She was born in Madrid and obtained her Licenciate in Organic Chemistry from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 1998, followed by a PhD in 2002 with the highest distinction (sobresaliente cum laude), focusing on transition-metal-catalyzed intramolecular arylations and cyclizations of furans with alkynes in the group of Prof. A. M. Echavarren. After her PhD, she joined Prof. J.-E. Bäckvall’s group at Stockholm University for postdoctoral studies (2003–2005) on dynamic kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols using ruthenium and enzyme catalysts. She then worked as a Research Associate (2005–2007) with Prof. J. C. Carretero at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid on homogeneous and heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis. In 2007, she returned to Stockholm University as Assistant Professor, advancing to Associate Professor in 2012 and Full Professor in 2014.

Martín-Matute’s research specializes in developing efficient, selective catalytic processes—both homogeneous and heterogeneous—for forming carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, emphasizing sustainability by utilizing renewable resources like water and CO2, avoiding hazardous intermediates. Her group explores borrowing hydrogen methodologies, dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations (DYKAT), relay catalysis, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts, with applications to late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Notable publications include “Selective and Quantitative Functionalization of Unprotected α-Amino Acids Using a Recyclable Homogeneous Catalyst” (Chem, 2022), “Metal-Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Organic Synthesis: A Critical Perspective” (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019), and “Base-Catalyzed Stereospecific Isomerization of Electron-Deficient Allylic Alcohols and Ethers” (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2016). She has garnered major awards such as the 2024 Arrhenius Plaque, 2023 Ulla and Stig Holmquist Scientific Prize (SEK 1.6 million), 2017 Göran Gustafsson Prize, 2013 Lindbomska Award, and 2007 Young Investigator Award from the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry. Elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (Chemistry Class) in 2023, she serves as Associate Editor for Organic Letters (since 2021) and on advisory boards for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Chemistry—A European Journal, and Chemistry Europe.