Dynamic control of noncovalent interactions in mesoscale assembly: Green chemistry in action

IEC 147

Arundhati Undurti and John C. Warner. Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125
Molecular recognition and self-assembly are processes that frequently occur in biological systems. At the UMB Center for Green Chemistry, we have been investigating processes that “induce” or “trigger” specific forces of attraction between molecules. Spiropyrans are neutral molecules, which on exposure to light adopt, charged conformations. These zwitterionic forms extend the conjugation of the system and induce the spiropyrans to self-assemble through non-covalent interactions. This research investigates the process of triggered assembly as an example of Green Chemistry because it exploits the “natural tendencies” rather than impose harsh reaction conditions or reagents.
 

Joe Breen Student Poster Session in Green Chemistry (sponsored by Green Chemistry & Engineering Subdivision)
5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2003 Convention Center -- Hall G, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, March 24, 2003 Convention Center -- Hall G, Sci-Mix

Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
The 225th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 23-27, 2003