Project Details
Projekt
GRK 1444: Generation of Supramolecular Functional Cavities - Container Molecules, Macrocycles and Related Compounds
Subject Area
Molecular Chemistry
Term
from 2006 to 2011
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 21418182
The generation and characterisation of multi-atomic compounds containing large macrocyclic or cage-like cavities up to a nanometer scale presents a great challenge in current chemical research. Such compounds are suitable to act as hosts for particular substrates and are thus of interest as storage devices or as reaction cavities for specific chemical processes. Encapsulation of catalysts in macromolecules or cages, for instance, may enhance the selectivity of catalytic reactions by the formation of specific reaction channels, or redox processes may be supported by the delocalisation of charges.
The scientific programme of the International Research Training Group is directed towards the synthesis and characterisation of such molecular cavities, which should be able to store suitable substrates by either strong covalent and ionic bonding or by weaker van der Waals (dispersive) interactions. The research programme comprises the synthesis of macrocycles, cages or supramolecular aggregates and considers contributions of main-group and transition metal chemistry, the design of appropriate ligands and the application of porous materials, the preparation of chelating Lewis-acids and anion recognition. Quantum-chemical calculations will accompany the whole research programme, directed towards understanding of the structure of the precursors, the host-guest interactions, the properties of surfaces or the persistence of molecular aggregates.
Strong collaborations between researchers at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität in Münster and the partners from the Holland Research School of Molecular Chemistry located in Amsterdam and Leiden are an integral part of the programme. Teaching and research will be shared between the collaborating institutions and an exchange of at least six months at the respective partner university is mandatory for all participating students. The group leaders will also actively participate in the exchange programme by holding regular seminars and lectures at the partner universities.
The scientific programme of the International Research Training Group is directed towards the synthesis and characterisation of such molecular cavities, which should be able to store suitable substrates by either strong covalent and ionic bonding or by weaker van der Waals (dispersive) interactions. The research programme comprises the synthesis of macrocycles, cages or supramolecular aggregates and considers contributions of main-group and transition metal chemistry, the design of appropriate ligands and the application of porous materials, the preparation of chelating Lewis-acids and anion recognition. Quantum-chemical calculations will accompany the whole research programme, directed towards understanding of the structure of the precursors, the host-guest interactions, the properties of surfaces or the persistence of molecular aggregates.
Strong collaborations between researchers at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität in Münster and the partners from the Holland Research School of Molecular Chemistry located in Amsterdam and Leiden are an integral part of the programme. Teaching and research will be shared between the collaborating institutions and an exchange of at least six months at the respective partner university is mandatory for all participating students. The group leaders will also actively participate in the exchange programme by holding regular seminars and lectures at the partner universities.
DFG Programme
International Research Training Groups
International Connection
Netherlands
Applicant Institution
Universität Münster
IRTG-Partner Institution
Holland Research School of Molecular Chemistry (HRSMC)
Participating Researchers
Professorin Dr. Luisa De Cola; Professor Dr. Stefan Grimme; Professor Dr. F. Ekkehardt Hahn; Privatdozent Dr. Hubert Koller; Professor Dr. Jens Müller; Professor Dr. Ernst-Ulrich Würthwein
Cooperation Partners
Professor Dr. Matthias Bickelhaupt; Professor Dr. Cornelius Johannes Elsevier; Professor Dr. Koop Lammertsma; Professor Dr. Romano V. A. Orru; Professor Dr. Jan Reedijk; Professor Dr. Gadi Rothenberg
Spokesperson
Professor Dr. Werner Uhl
