Synthesis and characterization of thia analogues of pillararenes

KU Leuven , 1 or 2 semesters
Pillararenes are a family of supramolecular hosts that have found wide application.
Apply for this project
Synthesis and characterization of thia analogues of pillararenes
Back to overview

Currently we are investigating the synthesis and characterization of the thia analogs of the pillararenes reported in 2008 by Ogoshi et al.  This will involve synthesis of suitable arene (1,4-dimethoxybenzene) building blocks containing sulfur and strategies towards their cyclization to cyclic oligomers. After the synthesis and characterization (e.g. crystal structure), the behaviour as supramolecular hosts in combination with  several guests will be investigated.  This work not only includes the common methods towards structural analysis, such as NMR and MS, but also the use of cyclic voltammetry, IR-absorption, crystallography and other methods.

  • The project is available in the Fall and Spring semester.
  • Number of places available: 1 or 2 per semester.

Prerequisites

  • High level undergraduate student.
  • Minimum GPA 3.4

Important note: 

Students must remain registered as a student at their U.S. or Canadian home institution while participating in the program. The student's home institution must complete the Learning Agreement after acceptance into a project, even if credits will not be transferred to that institution. Transfer of credits is decided by the students' home institution.

Submitting an application, does not guarantee that the student will be offered a placement. The research projects are also available to our domestic degree students; therefore, projects may already be full at the time of applying. Final decision on your admission is solely taken by the Research Supervisor at the host institution.

Faculty Department

The Department of Chemistry in Leuven (Faculty of Science) is involved in the organization courses of Bachelor/master of:

  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry and Biotechnology (the latter together with the department of Biology).
  • The Department houses a staff of about 30 professors and has 4 divisions: 
  • Molecular Design and Synthesis
  • Molecular and Nanomaterials
  • Quantum Chemistry and Physical chemistry
  • Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology.

All my EuroScholars students were highly motivated and worked hard on their project together with a local mentor (Ph.D. student or postdoctoral associate). Quite often 1 or more publications resulted from their internship. Afterwards I stayed in touch with these students and learned that many of them pursued successful (academic) careers.

Read more about my experience in the program on this page.

Prof. Wim Dehaen

KU Leuven