Synthesis and properties of molecular knots and links towards higher order topologies

Abstract

In the macrocosm, humans have utilised knots, loops and weaves to exploit friction in order to gain stability. Molecular knots, however, do not underlie the principles of friction and are either formed randomly or by design. Introducing knots into molecules selectively remains one of the main challenges in synthetic chemistry. Little is known about the methods of introducing crossings into molecules and the effects within and applications of knotted molecules. In this thesis the strain of unknotted and knotted topoisomers is studied and the tuneable binding behaviour of a molecular link discovered, envisaging applications of knottedness that one day may be harnessed. Furthermore, the emergence of an organic, fully achiral 10123 knot will allow the study of achiral molecular topology, potentially leading to wide range implications within the field of molecular topology and higher order structures.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	David August (Supervisor) & David Leigh (Supervisor)