Supramolecular chirality transfer

Promotie: dhr. E.W. Dijk, 13.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Proefschrift: Supramolecular chirality transfer

Promotor(s): prof.dr. B.L. Feringa

Faculteit: Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen

Contact: Ewold Dijk, e-mail: e.w.dijk@alumnus.rug.nl

Supramolecular chirality transfer

The research described in this dissertation has focused on various forms of the transfer of chirality (the phenomenon that some molecules cannot be superimposed with their mirror image) from the molecular to the supramolecular level. This means that some functional molecules are capable of forming complex aggregates with a large number of other molecules. The transfer of chirality between both level scan take place in two directions. The effect of supramolecular chirality, such as the double helix of DNA, on a catalytic enantioselective reaction, and the amplification of molecular chirality of a small amount of a chiral molecule by means of co-aggregation with an excess of gel-forming molecules are examples.

In the first part of the thesis the emphasis is on the transfer of supramolecular chirality, the right-handed double helix of DNA, to the molecular level. By means of a catalytically active metal ion that is linked to DNA, chiral information is transferred to a reaction at the molecular level.

In the second part, the accent is ons self-assembling molecular switches that display dynamic chirality in solution. This chirality can be locked at the supramolecular level by means of selective aggregation.Small chiral molecules, and even mechanical stirring appear to influence which enantiomeric conformation of the switch molecule aggregates.