Late-stage functionalization, a transformative strategy in medicinal chemistry, enables precise modification of molecular frameworks through atom insertion, deletion, or exchange, offering rapid access to novel pharmacophores and enhancing drug discovery efforts.

Criegee intermediates, formed from the ozonolysis of alkenes, are known to have a role in atmospheric chemistry, including the modulation of the oxidizing capacity of the troposphere. Although studies have been conducted since their discovery, the synthesis of these species in the laboratory has ushered in a new wave of investigations of these structures, both theoretically and experimentally.

Dual comb spectroscopy is a high-resolution technique that requires two frequency combs with very similar spectral characteristics. Most examples of dual comb spectroscopy in the literature use two lasers with the same architecture. Dual comb spectroscopy is a comb tooth resolved technique, which means the frequency resolution is generally less than 100 kHz, however these comb teeth are spaced MHz to GHz apart.

Gas phase nanoparticle formation is a highly complex process that transforms small molecules and radicals into solids that impact many aspects of our lives. These impacts may be positive (high value materials, commodity chemicals etc.) or negative (pollutants). Developing robust chemical mechanisms describing the formation of nanoparticles is critical to controlling the formation of desired species and the optimization of processes. Production of carbonaceous particles proceeds via the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). 

Developing catalysis platforms for efficient chemical transformations requires either building upon useful empirical evidence or studying unexplored design spaces. Importantly, both approaches benefit from merging different research fields to solve new challenges. Here, I will discuss how materials design parameters can be applied to molecular electrocatalysts in the form of porous supramolecules to mimic confined enzyme/nanomaterial catalysis.

At the nanoscale, magnetic, optical, electronic, and thermal processes can differ drastically from their bulk counterparts. These deviations stem from reduced crystalline domains, large surface areas, and quantum confinement, leading to physical and chemical properties intricately dependent on size, morphology, and ligand identity as opposed to purely compositional structure.

Targeted design of electronic and magnetic properties in novel materials remains a critical bottleneck in the development of many next-generation electrical and electrochemical devices. In this talk, I will describe how the principles of molecular inorganic chemistry can be applied to systematically engineer materials hosting a diverse range of desired properties.