Modular Synthesis of Organic Cage Compounds through Dynamic Covalent Chemistry

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Florian Beuerle
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 364877405

Aim of this project is the modular synthesis of covalent organic cage compounds with varying size, shape and degree of functionality based on a rational and predictable design approach. Based on a molecular tool box, one get easy access to integrative architectures by means of suitable combinations of various monomeric subcomponents. Due to their defined topology and rigid structures, these cages allow for a precise spatial arrangement of different functionalities. As the main synthetic tools to achieve these aims, we want to utilize both appropriate functionalization of the small-molecule precursors as well as post-synthetic modifications of the assembled cages. The implementation of reactive positions within the cage cavities leads to the formation of tailor-made coordination environments, which should be exploited for specific interactions with suitable guest molecules or the template-assisted assembly of the cages. Furthermore, the exohedral attachment of reactive sites can lead to the specific cross-linking of monomeric cage units though facilitating a better control over the three-dimensional arrangement in the solid state.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants