Using charge-assisted hydrogen bonds for supramolecular chemistry in water

Title: Using charge-assisted hydrogen bonds for supramolecular chemistry in water

Speaker: Associate Professor Nicholas White (ANU)

Abstract: Talk abstract: Our group is interested in supramolecular chemistry, and particularly using charge-assisted hydrogen bonds to self-assemble complex structures in water. This talk will discuss recent work on highly cationic cages that can bind anions in water and porous hydrogen bonded frameworks that show dramatic single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural rearrangements in response to changes in humidity. Finally, I will talk about simple, re-usable, precipitants that are capable of selectively removing sulfate or dicarboxylate anions from water.

Bio: Nick was born in the UK but grew up in New Zealand. He conducted a BSc(Hons) at the University of Otago working with Sally Brooker, and obtained his PhD from Oxford University working with Paul Beer. After a postdoc at the University of British Columbia with Mark MacLachlan, Nick was appointed at ANU, where he is currently an ARC Future Fellow. He is the secretary of the RACI Supramolecular Division and an associate editor for the journal Supramolecular Chemistry. Away from work, Nick is a keen boulderer, runner and cyclist.