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Research topicsThe research focus on the study of the chemistry of intermolecular interactions and how these can influence molecular recognition and catalysis. The main projects are currently directed towards the use of molecular design and synthesis aiming at new catalyst, materials and functional molecules. |
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Chirality and Self-Assembled Molecular StructuresModern 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 |
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Chemistry of the Intermolecular InteractionsWhile 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 |
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Biomimetic Catalysts for Suistanable(green) ChemistrySustainability 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 suistanable 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) |
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External CollaborationsA project dealing with design of new pigments for optical switches is done in collaboration with Dr. Giuseppe Borsato and Prof. Ottorino De Lucchi at the Univerisity of Venice. A project dealing with hydrogen production is carried out in collaboration with Dr. Mirco Natali at the University of Padova. A project on chiral optical switches ia carried out in collaboration with Prof. Sergio Abbate in Brescia |
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