CHED 501 |
| Molecular clips are acyclic compounds which have been used as synthetic receptors to bind neutral or ionic “guest” molecules. Two possible clip units, α,α′-bis (2-naphthyloxy)-para-xylene (1) and para-bis(2-naphthylmethoxy)benzene (2), have been synthesized for complexation studies. Along with general characterization of the two compounds, computational studies using Gaussian 2003 have been completed for both compounds to help determine the lowest energy conformation of each. Initial calculations at the semi-empirical AM1 level and ab initio calculations with diffused function (6-31G*+pd) show that in both conformations the naphthyl groups are on the same side of the phenyl ring nearly parallel to each other. However, these calculated conformations are substantially different than the crystal structure of 1,4-bis(benzyloxy)benzene. Therefore, NMR calculations and variable temperature NMR will be completed to verify that the calculated spectra match the solution spectra. Once the conformations are known, the molecular complexation capabilities of the two compounds shall be assessed. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Organic Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |