Organiker/in

My initial research focused on the design and synthesis of fluorescent hydrogen bond-based self-replicating systems. In particular, my work focused on the design and synthesis of reactive nitrones tagged with a variety of substituted anthracene, BODIPY and boranil tags, progressing towards the realisation of the UV-mediated observation of a reactive diffusion front. However, during the course of my first year, my wide-ranging readings spawned a fascination with the rapidly-expanding area of halogen bonding. As a result, I initiated a new project on solution stable supramolecular assemblies based on halogen bond interactions. I tackled the challenge of constructing halogen-bonded supramolecular structures, whose association was strong enough to persist in solution. The molecules I worked with were synthetically demanding, with some targets over 1000 Daltons requiring up to 10 steps and often performed on a multi- gram scale. As such, I have developed a strong grounding in a wide range of synthetic organic techniques, particularly air and moisture-sensitive palladium- and copper-catalysed cross-coupling reactions. Prior to my synthetic work, the target molecules required careful design; I had to design molecules in which the polar nature of recognition elements was balanced with the need for solubility in non-polar solvents, something I achieved through a combination of computation, structural database searching and application of my general chemistry knowledge. I have always sought to broaden my horizons through engaging with the wider community in a number of national and international conferences, where I have presented my work through both oral and poster presentations. Furthermore, my work has led to three publications in well-respected peer-reviewed journals, where I have reported the synthesis and characterisation of over 20 novel compounds.

The M. Sc. program consisted in the in-depth study of various areas of chemical sciences, with particular focus on synthetic and physical organic chemistry. The final year project was carried out in the laboratory of and consisted of a study on the photochemical stereochemical inversion of sulfoxide groups embedded in a tetrasulfinylcalix[4]arene.

The B. Sc. program included the extensive study of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical and theoretical chemistry. The final year project was carried out in the research group of and focused on the design and synthesis of a tetrasulfinylcalix[4]arene.

Continuation of the research carried out during Ph. D. with a particular view to completing the experimental work necessary for the publication of the remaining unpublished results. Additional responsibility was given for the supervision of undergraduate students, including designing experiments and narrowing the focus of their research project.

The summer placement at the consisted in a three month research period focused on the synthesis and characterisation of calix[4]arene scaffolds extended with 2,9- and 1,10-phenanthroline units for the realisation of deep calixarene-based cavitands.

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