MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences thesis defense by Emma Ramsay
MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences
Presenter: Emma Ramsay
Title of the Thesis: 鈥淪ynthesis and Host Properties of a Water-Soluble Pillar[5]arene 鈥�
Pillar[n]arenes are a relatively new class of macrocyclic molecules known for their ability to act as host molecules in supramolecular host-guest chemistry. In this type of chemistry, larger host molecules encapsulate smaller guest molecules within their internal cavities. Pillarenes show strong potential for applications across biological, materials science, and environmental fields. While non-water-soluble pillarenes are commercially available, water-soluble variants are not and must be synthesized prior to host-guest studies. This is important because aqueous environments are both environmentally favourable and more representative of biological systems. This thesis focuses on two main goals: the synthesis of a water-soluble pillar[5]arene, and the investigation of its inclusion behaviour with polarity-sensitive fluorescent guest molecules. The synthesis was adapted from a literature method and modified for structural uniformity and efficiency. Host-guest studies were then conducted using a series of fluorescent probes to explore the inclusion properties of the synthesized host molecule.
August 27, 2025, 1:00 pm K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre, Room 104
Everyone is Welcome
