Sjoerd Harder from Duisburg-Essen University, in Germany, investigates zinc amidoborane complexes, and a complex with an unusual metal coordination centre. 

What inspired you to become a scientist? 

Probably it was the combination of logic (I love physics and maths) and creativity (very useful in chemistry). After my high-school chemistry teacher showed me how you can pull a nylon wire from a beaker containing two phase-separated liquids, my choice for chemistry was obvious. The beaker was 250 ml and the wire that came out, not only went several times through the class room but out of the window and several times around the schoolyard! 

What was your motivation behind the work described in your ChemComm article? 

It was recently found that metal amidoborane complexes are very advantageous materials for hydrogen storage. We currently explore the organometallic chemistry of the amidoborane ligand in a broader context and here focus on the investigation of zinc amidoborane complexes. The clean formation of the zinc hydride complex was not expected. Its monomeric nature and the low metal coordination number are some very interesting aspects. 

Why did you choose ChemComm to publish your work? 

It is good and fast! 

Where do you see your research heading next? 

Our research branches in many directions but considering the current publication, we wish to explore the reactivity and catalytic possibilities of this low-coordinate zinc hydride complex. 

What do enjoy doing in your spare time? 

There are many things I like besides chemistry: cooking, wining and dining, exotic journeys and outdoor sports which involve water and/or wind (sailing, paragliding). I must admit not to have a lot of time for sports. 

If you could not be a scientist, but could be anything else, what would you be? 

During my PhD I used to tell my colleagues that if I wouldn't make it in science I would start a beer brewery (Belgian style!). Today I am still thinking about it! 

Interviewed by Emma Shiells