Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The goal of this research program is the design and development of new molecular machines and molecular switches for the advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The molecules we investigate contain at least two parts which are interlocked - in the same fashion, as say, two links in a metal chain. In particular, we study what are known as rotaxanes. When a linear axle molecule is threaded through the central cavity of a cyclic wheel molecule a new interpenetrated molecule known as a pseudo-rotaxane is formed. When large stoppers are attached to the axle to prevent unthreading of the wheel a permanently interlocked molecule know as a rotaxane is formed. This work trains researchers in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry as well as methods for physical characterization in solution and the solid state. The eventual goal of the program is to create materials comprised of arrays of nanoscale (rotaxane) components. We envision that control of individual rotaxane units on the molecular scale can be used as a way to manipulate bulk material properties. This could have future impact on the way we design and manufacture high technology components for the electronics and computer industries.