**Two PhD positions available**
in the physical organic chemistry group of Dr. C. Merten at Ruhr
University Bochum, Germany (www.rub.de/chirality).
*Project 1: Enantiodiscrimination via halogen bonding*
Halogen bonds (XBs) occur between the electrophilic end of a
carbon-halogen bond and Lewis bases and are predicted to be potentially
as strong as hydrogen bonds. they are of constantly growing interest as
directing interactions in catalysis and supramolecular chemistry.
Likewise, they have become important design elements for the development
of pharmaceutically active compounds. In this project, we want to
combine cryospectroscopy with VCD measurements, which invovles the
measurement of VCD spectra for solutions of chiral solutes in liquid
rare gases. These experimentes will bring us into the unique situation
of being able to characterize the stereochemical aspects of the
interaction of chiral XB-donors and acceptors in solution phase without
interference with potentially stronger solute-solvent interactions.
*Project 2: Matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy*
The isolation of molecules in solid rare gas matrices is frequently used
to study photochemical reactions such as photo-isomerizations or
photofragmentation reactions. We have combined the MI-technique with VCD
spectroscopy and recently shown that MI-VCD spectra can be recorded for
photoisomerization products of chiral molecules (ANIE 56 (2017) 1925).
In this project, we want to study chiral reactive intermediates such as
carbenes and investigate the influence of the intermediate's spin state
on its VCD spectra.
*Requirements*
Both projects are interdisciplinary and require both spectroscopic
developments as well as organic synthesis of the investigated molecules.
The candidate will continue the development of CryoVCD spectroscopy and
run VCD measurements on chiral XB-systems. In the second project, the
candiate will carry out photochemical reactions under MI-conditions and
record the MI-VCD spectra of the resulting products. Hence, for both
projects some experience with vibrational spectroscopy and DFT-based
spectra calculations will be beneficial. The candidates will also
perform organic synthesis of chiral XB-donors and -acceptors or
photochemically reactive molecules by following mainly published procedures.
Suitable candidates should have a solid background in physical or
physical organic chemistry and be interested in experimental laboratory
work on the interface between organic chemistry and spectroscopy. The
candidates should be highly self-motivated and good teamworkers.
Any enquiries as well as applications with all usual documents
(certificates, transcripts, ....), a meaningful motivation letter for
either of the projects and contact details of 2-3 referees should be
send by email to: [log in to unmask]
Applications received until Oct 1st, 2018, will be considered.
--
Dr. Christian Merten
Ruhr-University Bochum
Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry
44801 Bochum, Germany
Phone: +49 234 32 24529
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: www.rub.de/chirality
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