PhD 研究：
Organic Chemistry
Research in organic chemistry is strongly oriented towards the
synthesis of compounds of potential medicinal use. We are therefore
involved in developing synthetic methods towards a wide range
of targets, ranging from small heterocycles and polyoxygenated
systems, up to peptides and DNA analogues. For example, 1,3-dipolar
cyclo-addition reactions are being used to prepare nucleotides
with anti-AIDS properties.
We are also trying to tackle diseases by probing the mechanisms
of key biological processes; thus, the synthetic polycyclic
peptide below shows similar properties to a bacterial enzyme
transpeptidase, and may form the basis for designing a new generation
of antibiotics. We are also developing host molecules to act
as mimics for other enzymes, in order to understand their mechanism
of action more precisely, or for use in medical diagnosis of
diseases.
Much of our research involves collaboration with industrial
colleagues; this has led to work on novel synthetic processes,
on the preparation of new polymers, and on projects in pharmaceutical
chemistry.
Research Areas-
(1) Asymmetric synthesis
(2) Heterocyclic chemistry
(3) New synthetic reagents
(4) Cycloaddition reactions
(5) Carbohydate chemistry
(6) Cyclic peroxides
(7) Alkaloids and peptides
(8) DNA/RNA analogues
(9) Antibiotics
(10) Anti-viral agents
(11) Anti-cancer drugs
(12) Host/guest chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Interests in inorganic chemistry reflect the tremendous diversity
of the subject. We are particularly active in the fields of
main group and transition metal chemistry and a major theme
is the synthesis and characterization of new inorganic, organometallic
and bioinorganic compounds. The Inorganic Group is also active
in computational chemistry, in which molecular orbital theory
is being used to bring an understanding of both molecular structure
and reactivity. All projects make extensive use of a variety
of modern characterization techniques, including use of international
facilities in Daresbury and Grenoble.
We collaborate extensively with colleagues at Heriot-Watt University,
other UK universities and abroad, particularly in Germany, Spain
and Australia. New inorganic materials are being prepared with
superconducting properties, and new organometallic polymers
with exciting optical, magnetic and electrical properties are
being synthesized and characterized. Organometallic chemistry,
which is important in relation to industrially relevant catalysis
is being studied both practically (new compounds being prepared
and studied) and computationally (how these molecules behave
in catalysis). Transition metal complexes are important in biology,
and, at Heriot-Watt University, we are investigating macrocyclic
compounds, which mimic the binding of oxygen to enzymes. Fundamental
work in boron cluster chemistry is shedding new light on the
structures of these unusual molecules and the mechanisms by
which such structures interconvert; full understanding of such
chemistry is important in relation to applications of these
compounds in catalysis and as neutron capture agents in cancer
therapy.
Research Areas-
(1) Boron clusters
(2) Organometallic chemistry
(3) New inorganic materials
(4) Co-ordination chemistry
(5) Bioinorganic chemistry
(6) Computational chemistry
Physical Chemistry
The focus of physical chemistry research lies in the interaction
of laser radiation, ions and electrons with molecules and surfaces.
Fundamental studies of these processes lead to important applications
in diverse industrial and environmental fields. The Department
has outstanding facilities in this area including a range of
tuneable dye, fixed frequency excimer and high power solid state
lasers.
Much of our work is concerned with preserving the quality of
our environment-particularly with the earth's atmosphere. A
range of fundamental spectroscopic techniques, such as laser
induced fluorescence and ionization are being applied to studies
of atmospheric reactions. Research programmes investigating
the key reactions relevant to depletion of the stratospheric
ozone layer i.e. the Antarctic 'ozone hole' are also underway
as well as projects on interstellar chemistry. Computational
work on ion-molecule reactions underpins experimental studies
in this area, which detailed pathways for ion fragmentation.
In a further application, novel mass spectrometric methods are
being developed using laser desorption and ionization to detect
large molecules of biological and pharmaceutical interest.
Diamond is a material with unique properties. In pioneering
research carried out in these laboratories, diamond films are
grown using microwave plasmas. Projects underway range from
plasma diagnostics to diamond-based biosensors.
Research Areas-
(1) Laser spectroscopy
(2) Atmospheric chemistry
(3) Laser photochemistry
(4) Mass spectrometry
(5) Ion chemistry
(6) Diamond films
(7) Plasma chemistry
(8) Computational chemistry
Polymers and New Materials
Chemistry is central to the production of materials with controlled
properties. Material properties so not just depend on the atoms
or molecules that are used, but also on their three dimensional
order at length scales that can range from nanometres to millimetres.
In this context, the Department performs internationally recognized
research into polymers, liquid crystals, self-assembling systems,
biomimetic structures, and other novel materials. This work
crosses the traditional boundaries of organic, inorganic and
physical chemistry.
For example, new polymer blends and supramolecular structures
are being prepared with finely tuned physical properties (e.g.
plastics with 'memory', or tough hypoallergenic materials for
medical implants), whilst liquid crystalline polymers are being
used to generate materials with special optical properties.
Some of the most remarkable polymers are found in nature, and
are not yet produced commercially. Spider drag line silk is
one example; it exhibits a combination of strength, stiffness
and toughness that remains unrivalled by synthetic polymers.
It is also an environmentally friendly polymer; it does not
depend on oil as its raw material. It is biodegradable, and
it is spun at room temperature from aqueous solution. We hope
to develop new materials that mimic the chemistry, processability
and properties of natural silks.
As with much of our research at Heriot-Watt, there is extensive
collaboration with colleagues in industry, and the polymers
and materials work is often directed towards real-life problems
where solutions require a fundamental understanding of the chemistry
involved.
Research Areas-
(1) Synthesis of polymers
(2) Characterization of polymers
(3) Polymer blends
(4) New materials
(5) Biomimetic materials |