Synthesis is an essential part of materials science research, which as an interdisciplinary field of research connects scientific research areas. By specifically influencing the reaction conditions, such as concentration, molecular structure, temperature, reaction time, pressure, etc., molecules can be converted into materials in a variety of ways. The choice of suitable process parameters is of crucial importance, but various classes of molecules (alkoxides, beta-heteroaryl ketones, thiolates, selenolates) have proven to be excellent molecular precursors for the production of nanoscale oxides, sulfides, metals, and selenides. The production of novel molecules and their behavior during material production in various reaction environments is the core research area of ​​the Mathur group. The manufacture of new types of precursors is just as important to us as their transformation into nanoparticles, thin films, or nanowires. Another core aspect of our research is the understanding of the surface chemistry of materials and the influence of the synthesis on the physical and chemical properties of solids.