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

通过合成新型树枝状大分子结构，将评估树枝状大分子的一级结构元素与其在溶液中的构象之间的关系。我们将分析这些结构对电子转移速率和/或氧化还原电位变化所证明的包封性的影响。明确了膜电化学在树枝状大分子包埋研究中的优势。最后，将研究树枝状大分子膜在不同程度上保护核心免受溶剂影响的能力，作为树枝状大分子生成、树枝状大分子膜的类型、反离子特性和溶剂性质的函数。电子转移的控制是生物学中的一个中心主题，也是纳米电子学新领域中迅速兴起的一个关注问题。在有机化学和高分子化学计划的支持下，北卡罗来纳州立大学化学系的克里斯托弗·B·戈尔曼教授正在探索设计和合成大的支化分子(树枝状大分子)，这种分子具有核心亚结构，使他能够阐明影响电子转移反应相对速度和驱动力的分子特征。在解决有关非导电分子壳层如何控制电子转移速率的基本问题的同时，戈尔曼教授还对生化功能和电子设备的核心电子转移过程有了深入的了解。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，戈尔曼教授还参与了许多项目，鼓励历史上代表性不足的团体的成员参与研究。

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.