Vibrational, Orientational, and Conformational Dynamics of Molecules in Solution

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In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Andrei Tokmakoff of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will use two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy to investigate the molecular dynamics of peptides and proteins in solution. The overall goal is to obtain a broad understanding of the conformational, vibrational, and solvation dynamics of peptides and proteins through studies of the amide vibrations of the polypeptide backbone. More specific is the desire to obtain a description of the vibrational dynamics of multiple coupled vibrational coordinates interacting with a bath, and the structural dynamics of a polyatomic solute in a strongly interacting solvent, as well as the development of experimental tools for studying conformational changes and structural heterogeneity accompanying protein folding and binding processes in solution. Graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral research associates, and high school teachers will participate in this project, which stands at the forefront of condensed phase chemical dynamics research. They will acquire skills and knowledge that will be of advantage in further studies or education.