Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The construction of molecules with complex structures is a central theme of chemical research. In the last two decades synthetic chemists have carried this concept of molecular design into an entirely new realm. They have focussed their attention on the ultimate structural challenge - the crystallization of discrete molecular systems with predetermined packing patterns, i.e., the control of solid state architecture at the sub-nanoscale level. The objectives of controlled crystal growth vary widely, but share a common theme, namely the need to arrange molecules so that the resulting supramolecular assembly has the desired structure, stability and property. Securing any one of these three objectives represents a challenge in its own right, but success is only truly achieved when all three goals are accomplished at the same time. This proposal addresses the design of multifunctional molecular materials that display both conductive and magnetic properties. The challenge lies not only in controlling architectural issues, but also in creating molecules (building blocks) whose electronic structures exhibit the necessary requirements for charge migration and magnetic coupling throughout the bulk solid. Most synthetic conductors require two components. In these so-called charge transfer salts electrons must be moved from one component to the other in order to create charge carriers. The present proposal advocates a different approach, one which obviates the need for charge transfer by using free radicals. In these one-component systems potential charge and spin carriers are already "built in". While direct and immediate applications are not addresed in this proposal, the results of this research will have many implications in the design of new electronic and magnetic materials. The electronics and communications industries would be the primary beneficiaries.