Reactive intermediates in zeolites and solution

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A major goal of our research program is to obtain quantitative information about the effect of zeolite structure and composition on the behaviour of organic reactive intermediates using fast reaction techniques. In these studies, the short-lived reactive intermediates are generally utilized as probe molecules specially designed to give information about the nature of the internal cavities of zeolites. Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicate materials made up of an open framework structure that gives rise to a variety of different cavities and channels. The overall objective is to determine how simple modifications to the zeolite structure and composition, such as alkali-metal cation exchange or the incorporation of co-reactants affect the dynamics of a variety of reactions involving short-lived species. One current focus is to study the dynamics of bimolecular reactions within zeolites using both carbenes and carbocations as probe reactive intermediates. The information from these studies will help to describe the diffusion of molecules within these solid systems. We are also obtaining results that will allow us to develop theories to explain why reactions in zeolites tend to show reduced substituent effects compared to the same reactions in solution. In addition, we are also exploring the potential utility of zeolites as hosts for two-photon absorption, a technique with great potential for a wide range of applications, including data storage and photodynamic therapies. Finally, we are taking advantage of our past experience studying the ionization of beta-substituted radicals in order to develop a new class of phototriggers that could be of use in studies of biological phenomena. State-of-the-art instruments are used in this research, including nanosecond and femtosecond lasers. Researchers become highly proficient in a wide range of experimental techniques including laser flash photolysis, complex data analysis, synthetic organic chemistry, and characterization techniques such as NMR, GC/MS, fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The proposed research will train researchers to understand the complexity of modern experimental research using state-of-the-art equipment and will prepare those researchers for a strong scientific career.