Sustainability in chemical synthesis requires that new methods and replacements for unsustainable existing methodologies should, where possible, focus on environmentally benign, atom- and energy-efficient processes that do not rely on toxic/precious metals. In this research program the focus is on the development of new sustainable and environmentally benign methodologies for selective oxidative transformations based on primarily first row transition metals using H2O2, O2 or electrochemical methods and on the tools required to obtain kinetic and mechanistic information that can further method development. The overall aim is to achieve selectivity and reactivity under mild, atom efficient conditions using non-toxic catalysts. In the research program mechanistic investigations run parallel with the development of synthetic methodologies, providing a perfect opportunity to combine very different skill sets towards a common goal.Five distinct approaches will be taken aimed at increasing the repertoire of selective methods available for catalytic organic oxidative functional group transformations with the key goal of sustainability in chemical synthesis through atom efficiency and selectivity. Furthermore, a systems approach will be taken in mechanistic studies where understanding the role(s) played by each reaction component involved, including metals, ligands, oxidant, solvent, additives, substrates and product(s), will be central. Importantly the development of new techniques and approaches to mechanistic studies and reaction monitoring, including Raman detection in flow reactors and UV Raman spectroscopy, are an integral part of the program.The research program is divided into four interrelated projects, which will run concurrently and be undertaken by one each of the PhD students involved and a smaller fifth project that is exploratory and high risk. As the project will fund the applicant for 50% of his time, this will enable him to take an active part.