26th Annual Student Research Conference
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Molecular Capsules and Their Precursors
Kevin A. Robb*, Belinda Sell, and Dylan M. Becraft
Dawood Afzal, Faculty Mentor
Organic molecular capsules are fascinating synthetic targets which have particular relevance in the field of host-guest chemistry. Our lab focuses on two main aspects of capsule synthesis. 1) The molecular capsule known as Noria may be well suited to host-guest chemistry since it contains a large central cavity. By substituting different compounds in place of glutaraldehyde in the published synthesis of Noria, different Noria-like derivatives can be made. Advances in the purification of one such derivative and a proposed route for a greener synthesis of Noria-like molecules will be discussed. 2) The pyrogallol[4]arenes and resorcin[4]arenes are macrocycles which are formed from phenols and aldehydes in a one-pot condensation reaction. These molecules are capable of self-assembly into hexameric capsules. An improved synthesis of these compounds will be presented, and their use as binders for small molecules and ions will be discussed.
Keywords: Organic Chemistry, Synthesis, Host-Guest Chemistry, Macrocycles, Molecular Capsules
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 105-3
Location: MG 2090
Time: 8:30