The Synthesis and Function of Lanthanide Molecular Knots

Abstract

Abstract: It goes without saying that the necessity and utility of knots in our everyday lives is crucial. Humanity used them to symbolise religious beliefs (endless knot in Buddhism) and countless forms of art throughout history (Roman mosaics, Celtic art etc). However, we know them better for their practicality which covers a wide range of applications, from tying shoelaces to securing ropes during climbing or sailing and even medical sutures. The field of molecular knots took off three decades ago with Sauvage’s first example of a synthetic trefoil knot and many others followed with variants or even more complex topologies. However, the properties and functions of knots are an underexplored feature of the molecular world. In just the last few years, knotting at the molecular level has however been shown to have fundamental implications for everything from biochemistry to polymer science.[1] Herein, we show that open lanthanide molecular knot complexes of defined handedness can be employed to access topologically advanced molecular architectures with which we are able to demonstrate both structural properties and functional value.

Date of Award	9 Jan 2020
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	David Leigh (Main Supervisor) & Michael Greaney (Co Supervisor)