All-cis fluorinated cyclohexanes as highly polar building blocks in functional macrocyles and cages

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Max von Delius
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545044944

With all-cis fluorinated cyclohexanes, a highly polar compound class has recently become accessible that holds much promise for applications in supramolecular chemistry, organic materials and medicinal chemistry. In this proposed work, we plan to realize the full supramolecular potential of facially polarized cyclohexanes by embedding these building blocks into macrocycles and cages. To achieve this aim, we will extend the scope of all-cis fluorinated cyclohexanes, especially concerning the synthesis of ditopic and tritopic building blocks. From these precursors, we will synthesize and self-assemble the first examples of macrocycles and cages that contain multiple all-cis fluorinated cyclohexanes. As the envisaged architectures will orient strong dipole moments towards their cavities, we will comprehensively investigate the encapsulation of cations, anions, ion pairs and neutral molecules by performing state-of-the-art host-guest titrations. We also aim to pursue further applications of facially polarized cyclohexanes wherever possible, e.g. in catalysis, framework materials or ferroelectrics.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants