Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Phosphines, Arsines, and Stibines. There are now chiral phosphine-transition metal catalysts that rival enzymes in their efficiency for the asymmetric synthesis of important chiral drugs, fragrants, cosmetics, nutrients, vitamins, and pesticides. This project is aimed at a generalised asymmetric synthesis of the critical components of these enzyme mimics, notably enantiopure chiral phosphines, but also chiral arsines and stibines, by a highly innovative approach t ....Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Phosphines, Arsines, and Stibines. There are now chiral phosphine-transition metal catalysts that rival enzymes in their efficiency for the asymmetric synthesis of important chiral drugs, fragrants, cosmetics, nutrients, vitamins, and pesticides. This project is aimed at a generalised asymmetric synthesis of the critical components of these enzyme mimics, notably enantiopure chiral phosphines, but also chiral arsines and stibines, by a highly innovative approach that involves novel six-electron phosphenium, arsenium, and stibinium cations that are themselves stabilised by chiral phosphines so that chemical breeder reactions are possible. The use of chiral auxiliaries from the natural pool and from biotechnology will also be investigated.Read moreRead less
Computer-Aided Design of Agents for Controlling Free-Radical Polymerisation. This project will provide cutting-edge fundamental research of importance to free-radical polymerisation. This process is the basis of a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, and is very important to the Australian economy. The project will help to expand the applicability of the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation process, which is a significant new CSIRO-invented method for contro ....Computer-Aided Design of Agents for Controlling Free-Radical Polymerisation. This project will provide cutting-edge fundamental research of importance to free-radical polymerisation. This process is the basis of a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, and is very important to the Australian economy. The project will help to expand the applicability of the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation process, which is a significant new CSIRO-invented method for controlling free-radical polymerisation. In doing this, the project will facilitate the design and development of a range of new polymer products, with applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology. This research will help to keep Australia at the forefront of this important field.Read moreRead less
The effects of local strain on the crystal chemistry of solid solutions. The concept of the solid solution, the substitution of one kind of atom for another in a crystal structure, is a central idea in both mineral sciences and solid state chemistry. Such atomic substitutions alter local crystal chemistry and hence always introduce strain into crystal lattices. In this project we aim to characterize this substitutional strain. Ultimately this should lead to a better understanding of the geologic ....The effects of local strain on the crystal chemistry of solid solutions. The concept of the solid solution, the substitution of one kind of atom for another in a crystal structure, is a central idea in both mineral sciences and solid state chemistry. Such atomic substitutions alter local crystal chemistry and hence always introduce strain into crystal lattices. In this project we aim to characterize this substitutional strain. Ultimately this should lead to a better understanding of the geological history of rocks, improvements in metal recovery from ores and to the design and synthesis of new materials.Read moreRead less
Hydrogen Abstraction in Chemical, Biochemical and Polymerization Processes. Hydrogen-abstraction reactions are of vital importance in the chemical, biochemical and polymerization processes that occur in everyday life. The objective of the proposed research is to improve our understanding of such reactions. State-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations will be used to examine a broad range of hydrogen-abstraction reactions, and to obtain accurate information about the factors that influence suc ....Hydrogen Abstraction in Chemical, Biochemical and Polymerization Processes. Hydrogen-abstraction reactions are of vital importance in the chemical, biochemical and polymerization processes that occur in everyday life. The objective of the proposed research is to improve our understanding of such reactions. State-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations will be used to examine a broad range of hydrogen-abstraction reactions, and to obtain accurate information about the factors that influence such reactions. Building on this work, more detailed case studies will be performed in two important areas: the hydrogen-abstraction steps in biochemical reactions mediated by coenzyme B12, and chain-transfer processes in conventional and controlled free-radical polymerization.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology. Free radical chemistry is of increasing importance in the manufacture of improved plastics, paints and related materials, in helping restrict oxidative processes that can lead to adverse human health and also to the degradation of important industrial materials. The research will contribute to promoting & maintaining good health by developing new methods for reducing the impacts of ageing as well as in the treatment ....ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology. Free radical chemistry is of increasing importance in the manufacture of improved plastics, paints and related materials, in helping restrict oxidative processes that can lead to adverse human health and also to the degradation of important industrial materials. The research will contribute to promoting & maintaining good health by developing new methods for reducing the impacts of ageing as well as in the treatment of several life-threatening conditions such as stroke. Industrial applications include better surface coatings for preserving metals, and additives to improve the quality and shelf life of beer and wines.Read moreRead less
Molecular forces: in colloid science, complex fluids and living matter. The physical chemists; and the biologists, soil scientists and engineers who need them, have lived in parallel universes. Despite claims for relevance, the standard text book chemistry is unsatisfactory in a myriad industrial and basic applications. Identification of where theories went wrong has been made. The repair of current theories will provide better predictive experimental design principles that get to real world sol ....Molecular forces: in colloid science, complex fluids and living matter. The physical chemists; and the biologists, soil scientists and engineers who need them, have lived in parallel universes. Despite claims for relevance, the standard text book chemistry is unsatisfactory in a myriad industrial and basic applications. Identification of where theories went wrong has been made. The repair of current theories will provide better predictive experimental design principles that get to real world solutions faster. There is a genuine paradigm shift in progress. Redressing deficiencies of present theories will provide a better intuition for scientists who need a predictive intuition from physical chemistry for optimal experimental design.
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