Discovering the Future of Molecular Sciences

The European Young Chemist Award has now been awarded four times (2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012). The authors of the previous books based on the competition have become some of the leading scientists in Europe. These books truly provide a glimpse into the future research landscape of European chemistry.

Fifteen top contributions have been selected for this single volume covering areas of chemistry and materials science. The broad range of themes is presented in an approachable and readable manner equally appropriate for non-specialists on the topic. The overview of intriguing topics includes chemical synthesis and advanced methodologies as well as materials, nanoscience and nanotechnologies.

Preface

PART I: Advanced Methodologies

SUPRAMOLECULAR RECEPTORS FOR THE RECOGNITION OF BIOANALYTES
Introduction
Bioanalytes
Metal Complexes as Receptors for Biological Phosphates
Functionalized Vesicles for the Recognition of Bioanalytes
Boronic Acid Receptors for Diol-Containing Bioanalytes
Conclusion and Outlook

METHODS OF DNA RECOGNITION
Introduction
Historical Outline: The Central Dogma
Intermolecular Interaction between the Transcription Factors and the DNA
Miniature Versions of Transcription Factors
Intermolecular Interaction Between Small Molecules and the DNA
Outlook

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BY HIGH-RESOLUTION AND TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Dissecting Molecular Complexity with Mass Spectrometry
Advances in Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry
Advances in Mass Analyzers for FT-ICR MS
Advances in Mass Analyzers for Orbitrap FTMS
Applications of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Advances in Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Outlook: Quo vadis FTMS?
Summary and Future Issues

COHERENT ELECTRONIC ENERGY TRANSFER IN BIOLOGICAL AND ARTIFICIAL MULTICHROMOPHORIC SYSTEMS
Introduction to Electronic Energy Transfer in Complex Systems
The Meaning of Electronic Coherence in Energy Transfer
Energy Migration in Terms of Occupation Probability: A Unified Approach
Experimental Detection of Quantum Coherence
Electronic Coherence Measured by Two-Dimensional Photon Echo
Future Perspectives and Conclusive Remarks

ULTRAFAST STUDIES OF CARRIER DYNAMICS IN QUANTUM DOTS FOR NEXT GENERATION PHOTOVOLTAICS
Introduction
Theoretical Limits
Bulk Semiconductors
Semiconductor Quantum Dots
Carrier Dynamics
Ultrafast Techniques
Quantum Efficiency
Ligand Exchange and Film Studies
Conclusions

MICRO FLOW CHEMISTRY: NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR SYNTHETIC CHEMISTS
Introduction
Characteristics of Micro Flow -
Basic Engineering Principles
Unusual Reaction Conditions Enabled by Microreactor Technology
The Use of Immobilized Reagents, Scavengers, and Catalysts
Multistep Synthesis in Flow
Avoiding Microreactor Clogging
Reaction Screening and Optimization Protocols in Microreactors
Sale-Up Issues -
From Laboratory Scale to Production Scale
Outlook

UNDERSTANDING TRENDS IN REACTION BARRIERS
Introduction
Activation Strain Model and Energy Decomposition Analysis
Pericyclic Reactions
Nucleophilic Substitutions and Additions
Unimolecular Processes
Concluding Remarks

PART II: Materials, Nanoscience, and Nanotechnologies

MOLECULAR METAL OXIDES: TOWARD A DIRECTED AND FUNCTIONAL FUTURE
Introduction
New Technologies and Analytical Techniques
New Synthetic Approaches
Continuous Flow Systems and Networked Reactions
3D Printing Technology
Emergent Properties and Novel Phenomena
Conclusions and Perspectives

MOLECULAR METAL OXIDES FOR ENERGY CONVERSION AND ENERGY STORAGE
Introduction to Molecular Metal Oxide Chemistry
POM Photocatalysis
Energy Conversion
Promising Developments for POMs in Energy Conversion and Storage
Summary

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SILYLENE LIGANDS FOR BETTER CATALYSTS
General Introduction
Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Silylene Transition Metal Complexes
Conclusion and Outlook

HALIDE EXCHANGE REACTIONS MEDIATED BY TRANSITION METALS
Introduction
Nickel-Based Methodologies for Halide Exchanges
Recent Advances in Palladium-Catalyzed Aryl Halide Exchange Reactions
The Versatility of Copper-Catalyzed Aryl Halide Exchange Reactions
Conclusions and Perspectives

NANOPARTICLE ASSEMBLIES FROM MOLECULAR MEDIATOR
Introduction
Assembly or Self-Assembly
Nanoparticles and their Protection against Aggregation or Agglomeration
Nanoparticle Assemblies Synthesis Methods
Applications of Nanoparticle Assemblies
Conclusion

POROUS MOLECULAR SOLIDS
Introduction
Porous Organic Molecular Crystals
Porous Amorphous Molecular Materials
Summary

ELECTROCHEMICAL MOTORS
Inspiration from Biomotors
Chemical Motors
Externally Powered Motion
Asymmetry for a Controlled Motion
Bipolar Electrochemistry
Asymmetric Motors Synthetized by Bipolar Electrochemistry
Direct Use of Bipolar Electrochemistry for Motion Generation
Conclusion and Perspectives

AZOBENZENE IN MOLECULAR AND SUPRAMOLECULAR DEVICES AND MACHINES
Introduction
Dendrimers
Molecular Devices and Machines
Conclusion

Index

Bruno Pignataro is Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Palermo. He received his degree in chemistry in 1995 from the University of Catania and his PhD in materials science five years later. He has chaired the European Young Chemist Award in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications and leads a group working in the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology, electronics and biotechnology.