To make their molecular molds, the researchers begin by attaching wedge-shaped molecules called dendrons to a porphyrin core to create a dendrimer. The flexible dendrimer scaffolding is then cross-linked in a chemical reaction that stitches together the end-groups of the dendrons. Lastly, a hydrolysis reaction chemically clips out the core, leaving a hollow space that can selectively and tightly bind appropriately shaped molecules.
"The technique is similar to the lost wax process used in metal casting," said Suslick, also a William H. and Janet Lycan Professor of Chemistry at Illinois. "In essence, we are molding this dendrimer around our template and creating a rigid cast that functions like a molecular lock for a molecular key."
The technique should be applicable to many molecules and a host of molecular recognition tasks. Potential applications include organic catalysts, medical diagnostics, and sensors for various pollutants and chemical warfare agents.
"Right now, we have a conceptual advance," Zimmerman said. "We've shown there's a new approach that can imprint a single molecule within a single molecule. Ultimately, we envision taking a template, and in a single step growing the scaffolding that can then be linked together to make a rigid mold."
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Contact: James E. Kloeppel
kloeppel@uiuc.edu
217-244-1073
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
24-Jul-2002