New molecules and methods to study the biasing of dendrimer conformation -- their effect on electronic encapsulation

通过合成新型的树枝状大分子结构，树枝状大分子中的主要结构元素与其在溶液中的构象之间的关系将被评估。将测定这些结构对包封的影响，如通过电子转移速率和/或氧化还原电位的变化所证明的。薄膜电化学在研究树枝状聚合物包覆方面的优势将被明确。最后，一个树枝状聚合物膜的能力，以不同程度的屏蔽溶剂的核心将作为一个功能的树枝状聚合物代，类型的树枝状聚合物膜，counterparts身份，和溶剂的性质进行了研究。 电子转移的控制是生物学中的一个中心主题，也是纳米尺度电子学新领域中迅速出现的关注点。在有机和高分子化学项目的支持下，克里斯托弗B教授。戈尔曼是北卡罗来纳州州立大学化学系的教授，他正在探索设计和合成大的、支化的分子（“树枝状聚合物”），这些分子的核心子结构使他能够阐明影响电子转移反应的相对速率和驱动力的分子特征。在解决有关非导电分子壳如何控制电子转移速率的基本问题的同时，Gorman教授还深入了解了对生物化学功能和电子设备至关重要的电子转移过程。除了为参与这些研究的所有学生提供广泛的跨学科研究经验，包括与工程团体的合作外，戈尔曼教授还参加了一些项目，鼓励历史上代表性不足的团体成员参与研究。

Through the synthesis of new types of dendrimer architectures, the relationship between primary structural elements in the dendrimer and its conformation in solution will be assessed. The effects of these architectures on encapsulation as evidenced by changes in electron transfer rate and/or redox potential will be assayed. The advantages of film electrochemistry in studying dendrimer encapsulation will be defined. Finally, the ability of a dendrimer film to shield the core from solvent to differing degrees will be studied as a function of dendrimer generation, type of dendrimer film, counterion identity, and solvent nature. Control of electron transfer is a central theme in biology and is a rapidly emerging concern in the new field of nanometer-scale electronics. With the support of the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program, Professor Christopher B. Gorman, of the Department of Chemistry at North Carolina State University, is exploring the design and synthesis of large, branched molecules ("dendrimers") which bear in their cores substructures which allow him to elucidate the molecular features that influence the relative rate and driving force for electron transfer reactions. While addressing fundamental questions about how a non-conducting molecular shell governs electron transfer rates, Professor Gorman is also gaining insight into the electron transfer processes central to both biochemical function and electronic devices. In addition to providing a broad, interdisciplinary research experience for all students involved in these studies, including collaborations with engineering groups, Professor Gorman participates in a number of programs encouraging the participation in research by members of historically under-represented groups.