Host-Guest Complexes of Cyclodextrins and Nanodiamonds

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Bart Jan Ravoo
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 289572266

Although the molecular recognition of host and guest molecules is a classic domain of supramolecular chemistry, unexpected new developments and possibilities occur frequently. In this project we will investigate so-called inclusion complexes of cyclodextrins (i.e. carbohydrates) and nanodiamonds (i.e. compact, diamondoid hydrocarbons) which fit like lock and key due to their molecular structure and spontaneously form a strong (yet non-covalent) bond. We will focus on two questions. First of all, by variation of the structures of the cyclodextrins and the nanodiamonds, we want to understand why they form complexes with such high affinity, and how potentially the affinity can be increased even further. Secondly, we will use cyclodextrins to isolate nanodiamonds from crude oil and we will integrate cyclodextrins and nanodiamonds as a binding motif in self-assembled nanocontainers.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Peter R. Schreiner, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Mark P. Waller