New Directions in Supramolecular and Coordination Chemistry

超分子化学是1987年诺贝尔化学奖(也是2016年诺贝尔化学奖的基础)的主题，是一个蓬勃发展的领域，它利用弱的分子间相互作用，从更简单的构件创建复杂的结构。这就是大自然的方式：自下而上地构建复杂性。使用超分子方法，化学家们正在建造分子结、晶体管和传感器，这只是几个令人兴奋的发展。在我们的研究计划中，我们使用超分子模板来构建复杂材料。例如，使用纤维素纳米晶(CNCs)作为模板，我们已经能够制造出对刺激做出反应的光子水凝胶、可以用于分离对映体的手性多孔二氧化硅，以及可以在光子图案上印迹的光子塑料。在我们最近的NSERC发现资助期内，我们在超分子化学和材料领域做出了其他几项重大贡献，包括开发Campestarenes，一类具有5次对称性的分子；利用OH-Br键从Triptycene衍生物中发现六方纳米管组件；以及详细了解由三甲酰基间苯三酚形成的亚胺中的互变异构。*在这个建议中，我们在过去的成就的基础上，研究了一个新的概念，使用刚性的、形状持久的大环作为模板来构建多金属络合物和纳米纤维。我们将研究刚性大环和裂隙状分子的合成和表征。这些将被功能化，以形成旨在容纳多金属络合物的超配体。我们将研究新有机分子的配位化学、聚集和分子动力学。长期目标是使用大循环作为模板，构建可能成为未来计算机技术一部分的金属和金属氧化物纳米线。此外，我们希望分子络合物将作为金属酶的模拟物，提供我们可以探索的独特的电学、光学、磁学和催化性质。*这项发现基金将培训所有级别的学生：研究生、本科生和博士后。参与拟议工作的HQP将在充满活力的多学科研究环境中接受世界级培训，其中包括与行业互动的机会和参加专业发展研讨会和机会。除了接受关于现有设备的实践培训外，学员还将致力于具有挑战性的项目，以激发他们对科学的好奇心和敏锐性，为他们的职业生涯做好最好的准备。

Supramolecular chemistry, the subject of the 1987 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (and the basis of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), is a flourishing field that exploits weak intermolecular interactions to create complex structures from simpler building blocks. This is Nature's way: building complexity from the bottom up. Using supramolecular approaches, chemists are building molecular knots, transistors, and sensors, to name only a few of the exciting developments.******In our research program, we use supramolecular templating to construct complex materials. For example, using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as templates, we have been able to make photonic hydrogels that respond to stimuli, chiral porous silica that can be used to separate enantiomers, and photonic plastics that can be imprinted with photonic patterns. During our most recent NSERC Discovery Grant period, we have made several other significant contributions in the field of supramolecular chemistry and materials, including development of campestarenes, a class of molecules with 5-fold symmetry; discovery of hexagonal nanotubular assemblies from triptycene derivatives using OH---Br bonding; and a detailed understanding of tautomerization in imines formed from triformylphloroglucinol.******In this proposal, we build on our past accomplishments to investigate a new concept, using rigid, shape-persistent macrocycles as templates to construct polymetallic complexes and nanofibres. We will investigate the synthesis and characterization of rigid macrocycles and cleft-shaped molecules. These will be functionalized to form superligands that are designed to host polymetallic complexes. The coordination chemistry, aggregation, and molecular dynamics of the new organic molecules will be investigated. The long term goal is to use the macrocycles as templates for constructing metal and metal oxide nanowires that may become part of future computer technology. As well, we hope that the molecular complexes will serve as mimics for metalloenzymes, offering unique electronic, optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties that we can explore.******This Discovery grant will train students at all levels: graduate, undergraduate, and post-doctorate. HQP involved in the proposed work will receive world-class training in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment that includes opportunities to interact with industry and take part in professional development workshops and opportunities. In addition to receiving hands-on training on extensive equipment available, trainees will work on challenging projects that stimulate their curiosity and acumen in science, best preparing them for their careers.