Dynamical implications of supramolecular systems

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The underlying theme of our research program revolves around dynamic processes. Ultimately, we are aiming for a deeper understanding of the interplay between kinetics and thermodynamics in various chemical systems. Three specific topics under investigation are:(i) Molecular folding and unfolding - Foldamers are oligomers or polymers that have well-defined and predictable folding properties in solution. This research deals with backbone rigidified foldamers where local conformational preferences stabilize folded molecular structures.(ii) The genesis of molecular 'handedness' - The intriguing topic of molecular asymmetry has captured the interest of many scientists since the second half of the nineteenth century. Recent experiments in our laboratory have shown that under a continuous and dynamic dissolution-crystallization process, a racemic population of ethylenediamine sulphate crystals can be driven into crystals of a single handedness (i.e. stochastic mirror symmetry breaking).(iii) The use of reversible reactions to investigate molecular binding and amplification - Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry (DCC) involves the creation of a dynamic mixture of compounds carried out under reversible equilibrating conditions. This thermodynamic adaptive chemistry relies on and takes advantage of dynamic molecular exchanges and interactions where bonds are continuously formed and broken.