Research topics
AK Niemeyer: Supramolecular Organocatalysis and Chemosensing
The focus of my current and future research is the development of innovative chemical catalysts and chemosensors. Our chemistry enables novel reactivities and selectivities by using multifunctional systems, with several functional groups acting in a cooperative fashion. Based on concepts from organic and supramolecular chemistry, we have developed different molecular architectures to generate such cooperative systems, ranging from covalently linked structures to mechanically interlocked molecules and cucurbit[8]uril-based systems.
Chemosensing
In this research project, we are interested in the synthesis and application of covalently linked phosphoric acids.
We have generated a series of rigidly tethered bis-phosphoric acids, realizing that the nature of the tether has a profound influence on their properties. For an example of our synthetic work, please see our publications in Synthesis and J. Org. Chem.
This lead to the identification of one preferred bis-phosphoric acid, which can be used for the chemoselective detection of ferric ions. The presence of Fe3+ can be detected by fluorescence- and CD-spectroscopy, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. For details please see our current publications in Chemistry - A European Journal.
Recently, we have also used these systems for the binding and array-based detection of amino-acids and amino-sugars. See our paper in Organic Letters, Chemistry - A European Journal and Isr. J. Chem.!
Also, we have applied our covalently linked bisphosphoric acids for the generation of supramolecular double-helices. Please see our paper in Chem. Commun.!
Supramolecular catalysis
This research project deals with the generation of cooperative catalysts. Our main focus is the application of interlocked molecules, such as rotaxanes and catenanes for organocatalysis.
As a first example, we have reported a novel [2]catenane featuring two chiral 1,1´-binaphthyl-phosphoric acids. This catenane was successfully used as a receptor for chiral diamine-guests and is the first example for a chiral catenane-based catalyst. For more information, please check our articles in Chemical Communications , Angewandte Chemie and Chemical Science!
Recently, we have also extended this work towards the use of chiral rotaxanes for asymmetric catalysis (please check our publication in Angewandte Chemie).
For overviews on interlocked molecules in catalysis and cooperative organocatalysis see our Minireviews in Synlett ChemCatChem, ChemPlusChem, Chem. Eur. J. and Beilstein J. Org. Chem.! Also, we are currently extending our research portfolio towards biomedical applications of interlocked molecules, please see our review in Eur. J. Org. Chem.!
Recently, we have also used cucurbit[8]uril as a host for the formation of heterobimetallic photoredoxcatalysts by host-guest chemistry. Please see our paper in Chem. Commmun.!
AK Schmuck: Supramolecular materials
In continuation of the work by Prof. Carsten Schmuck, we have published a couple of papers based on work of PhDs and Postdocs of the Schmuck group. Please see the works in ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, Small, Chem. Eur. J., Beilstein J. Org. Chem. and Arkivoc!
Also, for remembering Carsten and his work, please see the review in ChemPlusChem and the special issue in Beilstein J. Org. Chem.!