SmallTalks "Tuning chemical reactivity in confined spaces"

Abstract 

Coordination cages are discrete, three-dimensional molecular containers formed through a process of molecular self-assembly, where metal ions and specially designed organic molecules snap together like pieces of a 3D puzzle. These structures possess well-defined internal hollow cavities capable of encapsulating guest molecules. Encapsulation within these cavities often alters the chemical behavior of guest molecules, such as accelerated reactivity, enhanced selectivity, and improved stability, primarily because confined space brings guest molecules into close contact with one another and arranges them in favorable orientations. This ability makes coordination cages valuable tools in the field of molecular recognition, catalysis, and drug delivery. The geometry and properties of these cages can be finely tuned by varying the coordination preferences of the metal centers and the design of the organic molecules. In this talk, I will discuss how confining reactive species within such molecular-scale cages offers a powerful strategy for modulating chemical reactivity.