Physical Organic Chemistry of Complex Systems

Key Research Areas

• Chirality and Self-Assembled Molecular Structures

  

  Modern chemistry draws its strength from the synergic interaction between theoretical design and synthesis of new functional molecules and from the never ending source of inspiration represented by biological systems. One of the leading strategies for the synthesis of well-defined and complex structures in solution, which represent the state-of-the-art among functional molecular architectures, is represented by the supramolecular self-assembly of molecules for the formation of three-dimensional nanocages. Synthesis in combination with non-covalent interactions can be used to prepare structures able to self-organize in solution. The new formed structures show new properties arising from cooperative functions.

  Triggering Assembly and Disassembly of a Supramolecular Cage J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 6456

  Probes for the determination of amino acid enantiomeric excess Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 6515

• Chemistry of the Intermolecular Interactions

  

  While we know that from new nanotechnology approaches we can create new molecules to tackle a wide range of questions, our ability to make molecules has outstripped our ability to predict their behaviour. Trial and error, and screening dominated the 20th century because of our inability to make accurate predictions of the properties of molecular systems based on chemical structure. One of the keys to this crucial advance is to understand intermolecular interactions, their relationship with chemical reactivity and with the organization of matter at the molecular level. The use of the experimental tools of physical organic chemistry, in combination with theoretical calculations, offers the possibility to investigate in detail molecular recognition and reactivity processes. In particular the attention is driven to the role of intermolecular interactions in recognition and catalysis. A better knowledge of the intimate details offers the possibility to understand the studied system and to plan for new ones.

  Intermolecular interactions in bond formation Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 2911

  Intermolecular interactions in catalysis Chem. Eur. J. 2013, 19, 9438

• Biomimetic Catalysts for Sustainable (Green) Chemistry

  

  Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. Catalysis is the key technology to develop sustainable production processes. This will be possible minimising the formation of waste, avoid the use of toxic solvents and reagents and, where possible, utilise renewable raw materials. In this part of the research, the attention is driven towards the development of new efficient catalysts for sustainable reactions. The use of the experimental tools of physical organic chemistry, in combination with theoretical calculations, offers the possibility to investigate in detail molecular recognition and reactivity processes. In particular the attention is driven to the role of intermolecular interactions in recognition and catalysis. A better knowledge of the intimate details offers the possibility to understand the studied system and to plan for new ones.

  Green Halogenation with Tungsten Catalysts (Haloperoxidase) Dalton Trans

  Hydrogen Production Dalton Trans in collaboration with A. Sartorel (University of Padova) and M. Natali (University of Ferrara)

• External Collaborations

  A project dealing with the experimental determination of Non-Covalent Interactions is done in collaboration with Prof. Chris Hunter at the University of Cambridge.

  A project dealing with PFAS Innovative Degradation methodologies is done in collaboration with DEPURACQUE.

  A project dealing with hydrogen production is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Mirco Natali at the University of Ferrara.

  A project on chiral optical switches is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Giovanna Longhi in Brescia.