research booklet 2012 - university of new south wales · 2012-09-07 · the structures shown above...

Research Booklet 2012

Never Stand Still Faculty of Science School of Chemistry

contents

Welcome 3

Research in the School of Chemistry 4

Dr. Leigh Aldous 7

Dr. Graham E. Ball 9

Dr. Jon Beves 11

Professor David Black 13

Assoc. Prof. Steve Colbran 15

Assoc. Prof. Marcus Cole 17

Professor Les Field 19

Scientia Professor Justin Gooding 21

Dr. Jason Harper 23

Dr. Luke Hunter 25

Assoc. Prof. Naresh Kumar 27

Assoc. Prof. Shelli R. McAlpine 29

Professor Barbara Messerle 31

Assoc. Prof. Jonathan Morris 33

Dr. Neeraj Sharma 35

Assoc. Prof. John Stride 37

Dr. Pall Thordarson 39

Dr. Chuan Zhao 41

Honours in the School of Chemistry 43

Higher Degree Research in the School of Chemistry 45

School of Chemistry, The University of New South WalesUNSW Sydney NSW 2052 AustraliaT +61 2 9385 4666 F + 61 2 9385 6141

Design/Printing Print Post Plus P3CriCoS Provider Code 00098gref #51631

5

Welcome

‘We hope that you enjoy reading about the research within our School and look forward to our interactions with you’

Chemistry is the creative science and offers

tremendous opportunities for exciting research in

new areas. The School of Chemistry at UNSW is

one of the leading centres of research in chemistry

in Australia. In 2006 the School moved into a new

building, with state of the art research and teaching

facilities, enabling research across a broad range

of chemistry and high quality teaching. The UNSW

Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre is co-located

with the School of Chemistry, and provides major research facilities which

are at the forefront internationally. These facilities contain the most up-to-

date instrumentation which allows us to continue our excellent tradition

of research with strong international links, and provides our students

and researchers with the best environment for undertaking innovative

research.

Research in the School is focused in three areas: Molecular Devices,

Catalysis & Energy, and Medicinal Chemistry. These are fields of

enormous significance in medicine, materials, biology and industry world-

wide. We also have two specialist degree programs directly associated

with these research areas, Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology. Our

School has particularly strong links both internationally and nationally. We

house the Royal Australian Chemical Institute State Branch office, and our

own Professor David St Clair Black (AO) is the current Secretary General –

International Council for Science. We also regularly welcome international

visitors, on both short term and long term visits.

We have an outstanding and ever growing group of graduate and

honours students, and we welcome applications from within Australia

as well as overseas for both our honours and PhD programs. We

offer special scholarships at Honours and PhD level for excellent

applicants, and encourage all applicants to the school to apply for these

scholarships.

PROFESSOR BARBARA MESSERLE

Head of School

76 School of Chemistry Research Booklet

research in the school of chemistry

the academic staff within the school of chemistry have international reputations in both basic and applied areas of chemical research; these strengths, in conjunction with the excellent state of the art instrumentation available in the co-located University mark Wainwright analytical centre, make the school of chemistry at UnsW an exciting place to undertake research. the school’s research is focussed in three areas outlined overleaf and throughout this book association of particular staff with each of these research areas is indicated.

There are a range of programmes available through the School of

Chemistry at the University of New South Wales which involve a

research component, such as a Ph.D., an M.Phil. and the honours

year of a B.Sc.(Hons) programme. The research component of

these degrees involves the completion of a research project under

the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Individual research interests of the academic staff within the School

are described in this book. Students interested in undertaking

research in the School are strongly encouraged to read these staff

profiles. Information specifically for prospective Ph.D. and B.Sc.

(Hons). students is included at the back of this book.

A/PROF. JOHN STRIDE (Research Director)

A/PROF. JONATHAN MORRIS (Postgraduate Coordinator)

A/PROF. MARCUS COLE (Honours Coordinator)

Molecular DevicesNanomedicineBiosensorsSupramolecular chemistrySurface chemistrySelf-assembly

School Of Chemistry

Medicinal ChemistryOrganic SynthesisChemical Biology

HeterocyclesDrug Design

Natural Products

Catalysis and Energy Carbon Capture

Catalysed Organic TransformationsElectrocatalysis

Hydrogen Generation and StorageMultimetallic Assemblies

Core ActivitiesAnalytical chemistry

NMR & EPR

X-ray diffraction

Neutron and synchrotron science

Combinatorial methods

School of Chemistry


Dr. Leigh Aldous

Level 1, Dalton Building (F12)

T: 02938 54752 E: [email protected]

PhySiCAL ChemiStRy AnD eLeCtRoChemiStRy

Raw materials are being rapidly depleted, and pollution is accumulating; our research looks at new methods of energy storage (such as hydrogen), new methods of generating sustainable chemicals for high value products (sustainable chemistry and resources), and new methods of monitoring pollutants (electroanalysis).

Sustainable chemicals from biomassPlastic, dyes, and most importantly pharmaceuticals are all largely made

from crude oil. Once crude oil is either exhausted or replaced, humanity will

desperately need an alternative source. Our research uses special solvents

(‘ionic liquids’) to convert the ‘lignin’ naturally present in biomass such

as wood or rice husks into the useful chemical compounds that are now

essential for our daily quality of life.

Unique physical chemistry of ionic liquids‘Ionic liquids’ are essentially liquid salts; they are 100% ionic, and

therefore behave very differently to other liquids. The do not evaporate

like water, and can safely dissolve materials such as wood or extremely

reactive compounds. We investigate some of the many unknown or new

areas of these solvents. One aspect we are working to understand is

how dissolved compounds evaporate from ionic liquids, such that the

chemical industry can then control this process. Ionic liquids have also

been observed to be good solvents for some hydrogen storage systems;

once we understand why we can then make even better systems.

� Graduate of the

University of Leeds

(B.Sc. 2004) and

Queen’s University

Belfast (Ph.D.

2007).

� Visiting researcher

at Merck KGaA,

Darmstadt,

Germany (2006)

� Postdoctoral

Research Fellow at

Queen’s University

Belfast (2007 to

2009) and the

University of

Oxford (2009 to

2011)

� Appointed Lecturer

at the University of

New South Wales

(2011)

Visit www.sseau.unsw.edu.au for more information about our: capabilities instruments sample types & preparation training special coursesManager: Chris Marjo Room M64 | Tel: 02 9385 4693 | Email: [email protected]

The SSEA specialise in elemental analysis of bulk samples and surfaces, and molecular and microstructural analysis.

Our laboratories are located on the Ground Floor and Basement of the Chemical Sciences Building (F10).

X-Ray Powder Diffraction for crystalline phase identifi cation in microcrystalline powders and thin fi lms, and analysis of thin fi lm stresses and textures – Room G65.

Molecular structure determination using Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction – Room G65.

Molecular and polymer characterisation by Raman Spectroscopy – Room G31.

Contact: Yu WangTel: 02 9385 4527 | [email protected]

Surface Analysis

Chemical analysis of very small quantities of material in the fi rst 5-10 atomic layers of a solid surface using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy – Room G61.

Contact: Bill Gong Tel: 02 9385 4694 | [email protected]

Elemental Analysis

Major element oxides and trace elements using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry – Room G41.

Contact: Irene Wainwright Tel: 02 9385 4282 | [email protected]

Trace elemental analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS & ICP-AES) – Room B36.

Contact: Rabeya Akter or Dorothy Yu Tel: 02 9385 4680, 02 9385 [email protected], [email protected]

Molecular Structure & Microstructure of Solids

UNSW MARK WAINWRIGHT ANALYTICAL CENTRESolid State & Elemental Analysis Unit

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry

Catalysis and Energy


Selected Publications

1. L. Aldous, R. G. Compton, ChemPhysChem, 2011, 12(7), 1280.

2. L. Aldous, R. G Compton, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2011, 13, 5279.

3. B. C. M. Martindale, L. Aldous, N. V. Rees, R. G. Compton, Analyst, 2011,136(1), 128.

4. Y. Meng, L. Aldous, R. G. Compton, Green Chemistry, 2010, 12(11), 1926.

5. L. Aldous, R. G. Compton, Energy & Environmental Science, 2010, 3, 1587.

An equation which lets us predict evaporation from ionic liquids for the first time

electroanalytical chemistry, especially with nanomaterialsElectroanalysis uses electricity and chemistry to give us information. Various

electroanalytical processes keep us safe, such as glucose sensors for diabetics,

poisonous gas sensors and water quality monitoring. We are looking at a variety of novel

systems, especially those that utilise carbon nanomaterials. The very large surface area

of nanomaterials is allowing us to prepare even more sensitive sensors to monitor our

environment and health.

A garlic sensor, for monitoring during large-scale storage to try to avoid spoilage

[DR. Leigh ALDoUS PhySiCAL ChemiStRy AnD eLeCtRoChemiStRy]

Dr. graham e. Ball



APPLiCAtionS of nmR SPeCtRoSCoPy AnD ComPUtAtionAL ChemiStRy

Our research focuses on applying NMR spectroscopy to explore chemical problems, most often in the areas of inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Characterising reactive intermediates via photolysis of precursors while they are in the NMR spectrometer is a major feature. Increasingly, our experimental work is supported by the application of computational chemistry techniques such as DFT and ab initio methods or molecular mechanics calculations. For a more complete description, visit the group research pages, www.chem.unsw.edu.au/research/groups/ball/

Short-lived metal complexesWe can observe short-lived, reactive species using NMR spectroscopy

by using a combination of photochemistry to generate the reactive

species and low temperatures to stabilise it for sufficient time to allow

characterization. Using this approach, we have characterised several

types of alkane complexes including rhenium and tungsten complexes

shown below and even complexes where xenon acts as a ligand.

Short-lived organometallic complexes previously identified

� Undergraduate and

Postgraduate work


Sheffield,UK( B.Sc.

(Hons) 1986, Ph.D.

1990)

� Postdoctoral fellow


British Columbia

(1990-91).

� Postdoctoral fellow

at the University

of California at

Berkeley, (1991-

1994).

� Appointed

University of

NSW NMR Facility

Manager and

Adjunct Lecturer

(1995-2006).

� Senior Lecturer

in the School of

Chemistry (2005).

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Dr. Jon Beves

E: [email protected]

SUPRAmoLeCULAR CooRDinAtion ChemiStRy AnD PhotoSWitChABLe DeviCeS

� BSc. (Hons I)

(2002) and

MSc (2004) The

University of

Sydney and PhD

University of Basel,

Switzerland (2005-

2008)

� Swiss National

Science

Foundation Post

Doctoral Fellow,

The University of

Edinburgh, UK,

(2009-2012)

� Research Assoc.

Prof., Nanjing

University, China

(2012)


at UNSW (2013).

The use of light to control reaction environments at the nanoscale; construction of confined molecular spaces for sensing and catalysis; cutting-edge use of microscopy and NMR techniques and the development of multifunctional metal complex assemblies.

Confined and Controlled ChemistryNature exerts spectacular control over the chemistry of biological

systems by compartmentalising processes, and by the ability to strictly

control the local environments where reactions occur. The ability to

conduct synthetic chemistry within well-defined and controllable

nanospaces offers the potential for similar control by synthetic chemists.

We aim to develop self-assembled supramolecular cages and synthetic

vesicles to bind small molecules for selective and controllable catalysis,

and study their performance using advanced spectroscopy and

microscopy techniques.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry


The structures shown above are all calculated using DFT methods. We are increasingly

employing DFT computational methods to aid the elucidation understanding of these

fascinating compounds which are important in terms of basic coordination chemistry

and because alkane complexes are known intermediates in the C-H activation process.

Drug-DnA interactionswith A/Prof. Larry Wakelin and Dr Don Thomas

This project is using NMR techniques and molecular modelling to investigate the binding of

potential anti cancer therapeutics. Precise details of how the drugs bind to the DNA will aid

the design of next generation drugs that interact with DNA.

Structure elucidation and exchange mechanismsWe have an interest in determining connectivity, conformations and exchange

mechanisms of molecules from various sources such as synthetic compounds and

natural products using the plethora of different techniques that are now available to the

NMR spectroscopist!


1. Young, R.D.; Lawes, D.J.; Hill, A.F.; Ball, G.E. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2012, 134, 8294.

2. Young, R.D.; Hill, A.F.; Hillier, W.; Ball, G.E. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 13806.

3. Ball, G.E.; Burley, G.A.; Chaker, L.; Hawkins, B.C.; Williams, J.R.; Keller, P.A.; Pyne, S.G. J. Org. Chem., 2005, 70, 8572.

4. Ball, G.E.; Darwish, T.A; Geftakis, S.; George, M.W.; Lawes, D.J.; Portius, P.; Rourke, J.P. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 2005, 102, 1853.

5. Geftakis, S.; Ball, G.E. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1998, 120, 9953.

[DR gRAhAm e. BALL APPLiCAtionS of nmR SPeCtRoSCoPy AnD ComPUtAtionAL ChemiStRy]

Space filling model of a bis-intercalating drug bound to DNA

Structure of a doubly-substituted fullerene elucidated using NMR spectroscopy


Professor David Black


Tel: 9385 4657 Email: [email protected]

SynthetiC oRgAniC ChemiStRy

Our research is based on the synthesis of new types of organic molecules and the discovery of new synthetic methodologies in the area of heterocyclic chemistry, especially that involving indoles.

All projects are carried out in collaboration with Associate Professor Naresh Kumar, and within the Kumar research group.

Synthetic organic Chemistry of indoles and related heterocyclesOur current major emphasis is on the chemistry of activated indoles

which can generate numerous innovative molecules related to

biologically-important natural products.

organic Aspects of Coordination ChemistryThe indole nucleus, when functionalised at C7 provides novel ligand

systems for selective metal coordination.

� University of

Sydney (B.Sc.

(Hons 1), 1959,

M.Sc., 1960).

Cambridge

University (PhD,

1963). Columbia

University

(Research

Associate, 1963-

1964). Monash

University (Lecturer

to Reader, 1965-

1982). UNSW

(Professor

of Organic

Chemistry,1983-).

RACI

(President,1998;

Rennie, Smith,

Birch and Leighton

Medals). Fellow

of Australian

Academy of

Science (2011).

Officer of the Order

of Australia (2012).

Secretary General

IUPAC (2004-2011).

Secretary General

ICSU (2011-2014).

HN

NH

NH

MeO

MeO

CO2Et

NH

NMeO

MeO CO2Et

MeO

MeOCO2Me

CO2MeMeO

O

NH

HN N

RMeO

MeO NH

N

HN N

MeO

MeO N

S

HN N

MeO

MeOR R

Photoswitchable and Photoacidic ChemistryPhotoacids are molecules which can be switched between stable acidic and non-acidic

states using light stimulus. Photoacids based on spriopyran may be directly incorporated

into molecular and supramolecular systems for applications in stimulus-responsible

switching with applications ranging from synthetic catalysis to in-situ drug release.

metallosupramolecular ChemistryThe use of metal-ligand bonds to direct the assembly of large molecular architectures

has developed into a major area of supramolecular chemistry with metal complexes

acting generally as simple structural elements. We aim to expand the use of metals in

this class of structures to exploit the rich chemistry of transition metals for electronic and

luminescent applications.

[DR. Jon BeveS SUPRAmoLeCULAR CooRDinAtion ChemiStRy AnD PhotoSWitChABLe DeviCeS]


1. J.-F. Ayme, J. E. Beves, D. A. Leigh, R. T. McBurney, K. Rissanen, D. Schultz, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 9488-9497.

2. J. F. Ayme, J. E. Beves, D. A. Leigh, R. T. McBurney, K. Rissanen, D. Schultz, Nature Chem. 2012, 4, 15-20.

3. S. Silvi, E. C. Constable, C. E. Housecroft, J. E. Beves, E. L. Dunphy, M. Tomasulo, F. M. Raymo, A. Credi, Chem.- Eur. J. 2009, 15, 178-185.

4. J. E. Beves, E. L. Dunphy, E. C. Constable, C. E. Housecroft, C. J. Kepert, M. Neuburger, D. J. Price, S. Schaffner, Dalton Trans. 2008, 386-396.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Assoc. Prof. Steve Colbran



BiomimiCRy & CAtALySiS

� Graduate of

the University

of Otago, New

Zealand (PhD,

1984).

� Postdoctoral

Fellow, University

of Cambridge, UK,

1984–1987.

� Appointed to

UNSW in 1987.

� Visiting Scientist

at Massachusetts

Institute of

Technology, USA,

in 1994.


1. Condie, G. C.; Channon, M. F.; Ivory, A. J.; Kumar, N.; Black, D. StC. Tetrahedron, 2005, 61, 4989-5004.

2. Ji, Q.; Kumar, N.; Alamgir, M.; Black, D. StC. Tetrahedron Letters, 2009, 50, 5628-5630.

3. Wood, K.; Black, D. StC.; Kumar, N. Tetrahedron, 2011, 67, 4093-4102.

4. Cheah, W. C.; Wood, K.; Black, D. StC.; Kumar, N. Tetrahedron 2011, 67, 7603-7610.

5. Chen, R., Bhadbhade, M., Kumar, N.; Black, D. StC. Tetrahedron Letters, 2012, 53, 3337-3341.

Cutting-edge chemistry for a sustainable future for us allIn my group, we …

� Study and learn from metallo-proteins, the nifty molecules in you and

all life that catalyze all of the interesting biological chemistry

� Apply the insights learnt to design smart catalysts to make important

reactions go at maximum efficiency

Aerobic Life’s Engine … The catalytic centre of cytochrome c oxidase; Steve’s favourite catalyst & still not understood!

What’s involved?

� Synthesis: we make new, never seen before metal-containing

molecules, exciting stuff

� Electrochemistry & spectroscopy: we zap the new molecules with

light and electricity, because extreme conditions create highly reactive

species

� Reactivity and catalysis: highly reactive species exhibit unmatched,

extraordinary chemical properties; we test for useful, important

reactions

HN

HNNH

NH

MeO

MeO

R

OMe

OMe

R

R

R

MeO OMe

MeO OMe

HN

HN

NH

NH

MeO

MeO

R

OMe

OMe

R

R

R

MeO OMeOMeMeO

[PRof. DAviD BLACk SynthetiC oRgAniC ChemiStRy]

new macrocyclic tetraindolyls (indorphyrins)Two completely new types of macrocyclic tetraindolyls have recently been synthesised

in our group. These provide the basis of new and potentially important frameworks for

further structural development.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Why? To discover …

the hottest, most reactive, coolest catalysts for some

of the world’s most important reactions, including …

� CO2 → methanol (= a transport fuel !)

(turning a ‘greenhouse’ problem into an ‘oil-crisis’

solution)

� water → hydrogen (fuel ‘gold’)

(toward a cheap and sustainable fuel source)

� energy efficient organic reduction processes

(new non-wasteful, ‘sustainable’ technology for the

global chemical industry)

A new proton reduction catalyst for reduction of water to h2 ( = energy/fuel )

A novel bioinspired approach… Leads to energy-efficient catalyses of reduction processes


Electrocatalytic H2 production:

1. Gimbert-Surinach, C.; Bhadbhade, M.; Colbran, S. B., Bridgehead hydrogen atoms are important: unusual electrochemistry and proton reduction at iron dimers with ferrocenyl substituted phosphide-bridges, Organometallics, 2012, 31, 3480–3491

Basic science, unprecedented transition metal chemistry:

2. Shrestha, S.; Gimbert-Suriñach, C.; Bhadbhade, M. M.; Colbran S. B., Four soft donors and a hard centre: Rhodium complexes of a novel tetrakis-N-heterocyclic carbene-encapsulated crown ether ligand, European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2011, 28, 4331–4338

Bio-inspired catalysis:

3. McSkimming, A.; Bhadbhade, M. M.; Colbran S. B., Hydride ion-carrier ability in Rh(I) complexes of a nicotinamide-functionalised N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, Dalton Transactions, 2010, 39, 10581–10584

Solar cells:

4. Rawling, T.; Austin, C.; Buchholz, F.; Colbran, S. B.; McDonagh A. M., Ruthenium phthalocyanine-bipyridyl dyads as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: Dye coverage versus molecular efficiency, Inorganic Chemistry, 2009, 48, 3215–3227

Multimetal ‘cluster’ catalysts:

5. Moberg, V.; Mottaqlib, A. M.; Sauer, D.; Poplavskaya, Y.; Craig, D. C.; Deeming, A. J.; Colbran, S. B.; Nordlander, E. Chiral and achiral phosphine derivatives of alkylidyne tricobalt carbonyl clusters as catalysts for (asymmetric) inter- and intra-molecular Pauson-Khand reactions, Dalton Transactions, 2008, 2442–2453

[A/PRof. Steve CoLBRAn BiomimiCRy & CAtALySiS]

Assoc. Prof. marcus Cole



moDeRn mAin gRoUP ChemiStRy AnD CAtALySiS

� B.Sc. (Hons) &

Medal 1998, Ph.D.

2001, Cardiff

University, UK

� Royal Society

Postdoctoral Fellow

(2002) and ARC

Postdoctoral Fellow

(2003), Monash

University

� Risdon Grimwade

Lecturer, Trinity

College, University

to Melbourne

(2003)

� Lecturer and

Snr Lecturer,

University of

Adelaide (2004-7)

� Snr Lecturer and A/

Prof., UNSW (2008-

2012)

� NSW Young Tall

Poppy 2009

� RACI

Organometallics

Award 2010

Our research interests span the organometallic and hydride chemistries of the p-block metals with a view to developing new classes of metal and non-metal catalysts. These activities are supported by the ARC and CSIRO.

n-heterocyclic Carbenes (nhCs) in CatalysisN-Heterocyclic carbenes, which are a class of low valent carbon

(image), are unsurpassed as support ligands in homogeneous catalysis.

We have recently introduced NHCs into metal organic framework

materials, thereby aiding catalyst recyclability (image left),[1] extended

their steric breadth of such ligands[2], and undertaken extensive studies

of NHC organometallic and organocatalytic processes in ionic liquids

(image right), the latter with Dr Jason Harper.[3]

heavy main group hydridesThe hydride chemistries of the heavier p-block elements are rare or

unknown. We develop paths to heavy main group hydrides, thereby

enabling the applications potential of these elements to be explored.[4]

These include their application as selective hydride sources in organic

chemistry, their use in the clean deposition of functional materials, e.g.

optoelectronic materials (image), and hydrogen storage.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Professor Les field

Level 10, Chemical Science Building (F10)


SynthetiC inoRgAniC AnD oRgAnometALLiC ChemiStRy

Synthetic organometallic chemistry directed towards the application of transition metals in organic chemistry. Development of new organometallic catalysts for small molecule activation (N

2,

CO2, etc), functionalizing organic hydrocarbons to make value-

added products, and to perform specific organic transformations.

the organometallic Chemistry of Carbon DioxideCarbon dioxide reacts with many organometallic compounds to give

products in which the CO2 is incorporated into the metal complex. A

greater understanding of the ways in which CO2 binds and reacts with

metal compounds may provide new ways to trap and capture CO2 and

new alternate uses for this wasted and environmentally dangerous

compound.

nitrogen fixation (with Prof. Barbara Messerle)

Industrial production of ammonia from nitrogen gas is highly energy

intensive. We are developing new organometallic compounds that bind

and activate molecular nitrogen, and then exploring the chemistry of

the coordinated N2 with the aim of sequentially breaking the nitrogen-

nitrogen bond and liberating ammonia or another nitrogen-containing

compound.

� Graduate of

University of

Sydney (B.Sc.

(Hons), 1975,

Ph.D., 1979, D.Sc.,

1991).

� Research Fellow,

University of

Southern California

(1979-1980) and

University of Oxford

(1980-1982).


at University of

Sydney (1982),

Personal Chair

(1994), Associate

Dean (Research,

Faculty of Science)

(1996-2001),

Deputy Chair of

the Academic

Board (1997-2001),

Acting Pro-

Vice Chancellor

(Research) (2001-

2003).

� Appointed Deputy

Vice Chancellor

(Research) and

Professor at UNSW

(2005).

Small molecule Activation by frustrated Lewis Pairs (fLPs) [new in 2012]FLPs contain a sterically bulky Lewis acid and base that cannot form an adduct

due to steric buttressing. This leads to high reactivity with small molecules such as

H2. Our unparalleled expertise in sterically hindered ligand design (e.g. NHCs and

N-heterocyclic silylenes, NHS, image) and main group chemistry has led us to explore

FLP catalysis. Our aim is to generate metal free hydrogenation catalysts with high

catalytic turnover (image, R* = Mes, pTol or CH(Ph)2).


[1] Crees, R. S.; Cole, M. L.; Hanton, L. R.; Sumby, C. J., Inorg. Chem., 2010, 49, 1712.

[2] Alexander, S. G.; Cole, M. L.; Morris, J. C., New J. Chem., 2009, 33, 720.

[3] (a) Gyton, M. R.; Cole, M. L.; Harper, J. B., Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 9200; (b) Cole, M. L.; Gyton, M. R.; Harper, J. B., Aust. J. Chem., 2011, 64, 1133; (c) Dunn, M. H.; Cole, M. L.; Harper, J.B., RSC Advances, 2012, in press.

[4] (a) Ball, G. E.; Cole, M. L.; McKay, A. I., Dalton Trans, 2012, 41, 946; (b) Alexander, S. G.; Cole, M. L.; Forsyth, C. M.; Furfari, S. K.; Konstas, K., Dalton Trans., 2009, 2326; (c) Front cover article Alexander, S. G.; Cole, M. L.; Furfari, S. K.; Kloth, M., Dalton Trans., 2009, 2909; (d) Alexander, S. G.; Cole, M. L.; Forsyth, C. M., Chem. Eur. J., 2009, 15, 9201; (e) Cole, M. L.; Furfari, S. K.; Kloth, M., J. Organomet. Chem., 2009, 694, 2934.

[A/PRof. mARCUS CoLe moDeRn mAin gRoUP ChemiStRy AnD CAtALySiS]Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry




1. Field, L. D.; Messerle, B. A.; Rehr, M.; Soler, L. P.; Hambley, T. W., Cationic Iridium(I) Complexes as Catalysts for the Alcoholysis of Silanes. Organometallics 2003, 22, 2387.

2. Allen, O. R.; Dalgarno, S. J.; Field, L. D., Reductive Disproportionation of Carbon Dioxide at an Iron(II) Center. Organometallics 2008, 27, 3328.

3. Field, L. D.; Li, H. L.; Magill, A. M., Base-Mediated Conversion of Hydrazine to Diazene and Dinitrogen at an Iron Center. Inorg. Chem. 2009, 48, 5.

4. Field, L. D.; Magill, A. M.; Shearer, T. K.; Colbran, S. B.; Lee, S. T.; Dalgarno, S. J.; Bhadbhade, M. M., Controlled Synthesis of Dinuclear Acetylide-Bridged Ruthenium Complexes. Organometallics 2010, 29, 957.

organometallic PolymersOrganometallic compounds containing complexed metals linked by bridging groups

have many potential applications in materials science. We are particularly interested

in the use of alkyne groups as the bridging unit, and are developing new methods for

forming metal-acetylide bonds. The effect of ligand modification on the chemical and

physical properties of the poly-metallic assemblies and the rearrangement of these

compounds is also being investigated.

metal Complexes for Activation of organic CompoundsOrganometallic complexes (containing rhodium, iridium, iron,

ruthenium, platinum, palladium, osmium or cobalt) can form

highly reactive organometallic reagents capable of reacting

with C-H bonds in organic compounds. We are interested

in the synthesis of new metal complexes that are efficient

reagents for performing organic transformations. Projects

make extensive use of advanced spectroscopic methods,

including multinuclear NMR (31P, 1H, 13C, 15N etc.).

[PRof. LeS fieLD SynthetiC inoRgAniC AnD oRgAnometALLiC ChemiStRy]

Scientia Professor Justin gooding



PhySiCAL ChemiStRy, mAteRiALS ChemiStRy AnD nAnomeDiCine

Our research group specializes in using self-assembled monolayers to provide that surface with unique functionality. The self-assembled monolayers are the base upon which we build functional devices from nanoscale components including proteins, molecular wires, nanotubes and nanoparticles. The three major programs in which these surfaces are applied are, biosensors, molecular electronics and biomaterials.

BiosensorsBeing able to rapidly and simply analyse for specific biomarkers in the

blood is important for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. We have

developed a number of electrochemical and optical technologies to do

this. We are exploring devices that detect small molecules, proteins or

even entire cells. Some current projects include:

1) A sensor for glycosylated haemoglobin – this is an important biomarker

for the effectiveness of a diabetics treatment strategy over a three month

window.

2) Detection of rare nucleic acids in blood such as microRNA molecules

are believed to be important biomarkers for cancer diagnostics.

3) Cell based sensors for monitoring the release of matrix

metalloprotease enzymes from cells which serves as a marker of

infection for drug development or personalised medicine

� Graduate of

Oxford University

(D. Phil., 1994).

� Postdoctoral

Fellow, University

of Cambridge,

(1994-1996).

� Vice-Chancellor’s

Postdoctoral

Research Fellow,

UNSW (1997-

1998).

� Lecturer at UNSW

(1999), Professor

(2006), Scientia

Professor (2011).

� Eureka Prize for

Scientific Research

(2009).

� ARC Australian

Professorial Fellow

(2010).

� Royal Australian

Chemical Institute

H.G. Smith Medal

(2011).

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Dr. Jason harper



meChAniStiC AnD PhySiCAL oRgAniC ChemiStRy

Understanding how organic processes happen and what affects reaction outcomes, with the opportunity to apply the knowledge in bioorganic, synthetic, analytical and environmental chemistry.

ionic liquids as novel reaction media(with Dr Anna Croft, University of Wales, Bangor, UK, Assoc. Prof. Marcus Cole, School of Chemistry, UNSW and Dr James Hook, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW)

Ionic liquids are salts that are molten at less than 100oC. They have

potential as alternatives to volatile organic solvents but this potential is

limited as the outcome of a reaction (in terms of rate and selectivity) is

not readily explained, much less predicted, on going from a traditional

‘molecular’ solvent to an ionic liquid – a reaction carried out in ethanol

may give a completely different product in an ionic liquid! Our goal is to

develop such an understanding so that outcomes of reactions in ionic

liquids can be predicted.

The investigations in this area are very diverse covering a wide range

of processes from well-described substitution reactions through to

catalytic processes (with Assoc. Prof. Cole) using both organic and

organometallic catalysts. A significant portion of the work involves

kinetic studies; we make extensive use of NMR spectroscopy and are

continually developing novel NMR methods to follow reactions (with Dr

James Hook). Understanding the microscopic origins of ionic liquid

effects is also key and frequent use is made of molecular dynamics

simulations (with Dr Anna Croft).

� Graduate of

University of

Adelaide (B.Sc.,

1995) and

Australian National

University (B.Sc.

(Hons I) and

University Medal,

1996, Ph.D., 2000).

� C. J. Martin

Postdoctoral

Fellow, University

Chemical

Laboratory,

Cambridge, and

Associate Lecturer,

Open University

UK (2000-2002).


at UNSW (2002)

and Senior

Lecturer (2007).

� Sabbatical, Boston

College (2009).

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry


nanomaterials for biosensing and biolabelingThe synthesis of novel nanomaterials for applications in

nanomedicine one of our core activities. Our two main

activities in particle synthesis are

1) Synthesis of gold coated magnetic nanoparticles – these

are used as nanobiosensors to produce sensors with

very high levels of sensitivity but with rapid response

times

2) Silicon quantum dots – these small luminescent particles

have enormous potential in biolabeling as they are

nontoxic.

BiomaterialsWe are developing novel coatings for existing materials to control their interaction of

biological media with surfaces. Specifically we are developing

1) Switchable surfaces for cell biology to control where cells migrate

2) Low impedance antifouling coatings for implantable electrodes.


C.C.A. Ng … J.J. Gooding, Using Electrical Potential to Reversibly Switch Surfaces between Two States for Dynamically Controlling Cell Adhesion, Angew. Chem. 51 7706 (2012).

L.M.H. Lai, ….. J.J. Gooding, Biochemiresistor Sensor– A New Type of Biosensor Employing Magnetic Assembly of Gold Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles, Angew. Chem. 51 6456 (2012).

K.A. Kilian, ….., J.J. Gooding, Smart Tissue Culture: In Situ Monitoring of Cellular Secretion With Nanostructured Photonic Crystals NanoLett 9 2021 (2009).

[SCientiA PRofeSSoR JUStin gooDing PhySiCAL ChemiStRy, mAteRiALS ChemiStRy AnD nAnomeDiCine]


Dr. Luke hunter



nAtURAL PRoDUCtS AnD fLUoRine ChemiStRy

� Graduate of

The University

of Sydney (BSc.

(Hons 1 and

University Medal),

2000 and Ph.D.,

2005).

� Postdoctoral

researcher,

University of

Melbourne (2005)

� Postdoctoral

researcher, The

University of St

Andrews (2005–

2008)

� Postdoctoral

researcher, UNSW

(2008)

� University

of Sydney

Postdoctoral

Research

Fellowship (2009–

2011)


at UNSW (2011).

non-planar aromatic hydrocarbons: implications of curvature for reactivity(with Prof. Lawrence Scott, Boston College, USA)

The controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes and related carbon nanostructures relies

on reactions of polycyclic aromatic compounds. Both the synthesis of such non-planar

hydrocarbons and their reactivity is complicated by the curvature of the species. We

are investigating way to increase the efficacy of synthetic routes to these species, to

examine other effects of curvature and to look at how different solvents change the

curvature and rate of inversion.


1. Yau, H. M.; Croft, A. K.; Harper, J. B. Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 8937.

2. Yau, H. M.; Croft, A. K.; Harper, J. B. Faraday Discuss. 2012, 154, 365.

3. Gyton, M. R.; Cole, M. L.; Harper, J. B. Chem. Commun. 2011, 47, 9200.

4. George, S. R. D.; Edwards, G. L.; Harper, J. B. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2010, 8, 5354.

Fluorine is a small element that packs a big punch. When fluorine atoms are incorporated into organic molecules, they can have a dramatic impact on the substances’ physical and chemical properties. In the Hunter group, we produce novel bioactive molecules that are constrained into optimal 3D shapes, controlled by the precise positioning of fluorine atoms (a kind of “molecular origami”).1–5 Current projects include:

gABA receptor ligandsGamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an

important neurotransmitter molecule. It

binds to several different receptors that

are located on the neuronal cell surface.

GABA is a very flexible molecule, and

crucially, it binds in different conformations to the different receptors.

We are investigating fluorinated GABA analogues as shape-controlled

selective GABA receptor ligands.6,7

Anti-cancer integrin ligandsIntegrins are

cell-surface

receptors that

mediate a variety of

processes related

to cell adhesion.

For example,

αVβ

3 integrin is

involved in angiogenesis and is therefore a target for the treatment of

solid tumors. We are creating selective integrin ligands by synthesising

fluorinated RGD peptides.8 The idea is to conformationally constrain

the peptides, leading to selective binding.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry


[DR JASon hARPeR meChAniStiC AnD PhySiCAL oRgAniC ChemiStRy]


Assoc. Prof. naresh kumar



The rational design and development of novel organic molecules enables full assessment of their biological activity and mode of action, and offers opportunities to develop new therapeutic leads.

Bio-inspired Synthesis of novel Biologically Active molecules (with Prof David Black)

Isoflavanoids and indoles are found extensively throughout nature and show

a broad spectra of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-cancer,

antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. They represent “privileged”

medicinal chemistry molecular frameworks that commonly show drug-like

characteristics. We are developing synthetic methodologies towards such

natural products and related novel scaffolds.

Development of novel Anti-Cancer Agents (with Prof Glenn Marshall and Dr Belamy Cheung, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW)

Library and structure-based virtual screening enables the rational design

of potent anti-cancer candidates. We are developing novel small molecules

which target specific disease protein interactions as well as molecules that

improve the efficacy of current drugs as a combination therapy.

SynthetiC oRgAniC AnD meDiCinAL ChemiStRy

� Graduate of

Punjab Agricultural

University (B.Sc.

(Hons), 1976,

M.Sc., 1978)

and University of

Wollongong (Ph.D.,

1983). Professional

Officer (1985-

1996) and Project

Scientist (1996-

2002). Appointed

Lecturer at UNSW

(2003), Senior

Lecturer (2004)

and Associate

Professor (2009).

Anti-microbial cyclic peptidesUnguisin A (below left) is a marine-derived cyclic peptide with promising

antibacterial activity, including against Staphylococcus aureus. Pohlianin C (below

right) is a plant-derived cyclic peptide with promising anti-malarial activity. We are

synthesising both natural products,9 along with several fluorinated analogues that

have been designed to identify and “lock in” the optimal bioactive conformations for

maximal anti-microbial potency.

new synthetic fluorination methodsCreating organofluorine molecules is a challenge, particularly when installing fluorine

atoms at stereogenic centres in a selective fashion. New methods are urgently required.

We are investigating new synthetic strategies designed to both create a heterocyclic ring

and stereoselectively generate a C-F bond in the same step. The results will have broad

applications in organic synthesis and drug development.

NH

NH

NH

NH

HN

HNHNNH

O

O

O

OO

O

O

O PhPh

HO

H2N

OHO F

F F

pohlianin C

NHO

NH

HN

O

O

O

HN

O

HN

HN

HNPh

HNO

O NH2

OF

F

HO

unguisin A


1. Hunter, L. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2010, 6, doi: 10.3762/bjoc.6.38

2. Hunter, L., O’Hagan, D. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2008, 6, 2843.

3. Hunter, L., Kirsch, P., Slawin, A.M.Z., O’Hagan, D. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009, 48, 5457.

4. Hunter, L., Kirsch, P., Slawin, A.M.Z., O’Hagan, D. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 7887.

5. Hunter, L., Slawin, A.M.Z., O’Hagan, D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 16422.

6. Hunter, L., Jolliffe, K.A., Jordan, M.J.T., Jensen, P., Macquart, R.B. Chem. Eur. J. 2011, 17, 2340.

7. Yamamoto, I., Jordan, M.J.T., Gavande, N., Doddareddy M.R., Chebib M., Hunter L., Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 829.

8. Wang, Z., Hunter, L., J. Fluorine Chem. 2012, in press.

9. Hunter, L., Chung, J. H. J. Org. Chem. 2011, 76, 5502.

[DR LUke hUnteR nAtURAL PRoDUCtS AnD fLUoRine ChemiStRy]Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Design and Synthesis of novel Antimicrobial AgentsThe emergence of multi-drug resistance in common human pathogens has highlighted

the need to develop novel classes of antimicrobials for the treatment of human

disease. A range of novel small molecules is being investigated which inhibit bacterial

communication pathways or key protein-protein interactions.

novel Anti-microbial Biomaterials (with Prof Mark Willcox, School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, and Dr Scott Rice, Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, UNSW)

Bacterial infections have emerged as a serious problem with the increased use of

medical implants over the last decade. The covalent attachment of novel antimicrobial

compounds including specially designed peptides and small molecules onto biomaterial

surfaces affords anti-microbial protection in various medical applications.


1. Le, T.; Cheah, W. C.; Wood, K.; Black, D. StC.; Willcox, M. D.; Kumar, N. Tetrahedron Letters, 2011, 52, 3645-3647.

2. Rajput, S.; Leu, C-W.; Wood, K.; Black, D. StC; Kumar, N. Tetrahedron Letters, 2011, 52, 7095–7098

3. Devakaram, R.; Black, D. StC; Choomuenwa, V.; Davis, R.A.; Kumar, N. Bioorg. Medicinal Chem., 2012, 20, 1527-1534

4. Ho, K. K. K.; Cole, N.; Chen, R.; Willcox, M. D. P.; Rice, S. A.; Kumar, N. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2012, 56, 1138

[ASSoC. PRof. nAReSh kUmAR SynthetiC oRgAniC AnD meDiCinAL ChemiStRy]

We have a diverse array of projects involving organic synthesis, molecular and cancer biology, and biochemistry. Starting from natural product templates, organic synthesis projects focus on making analogues of natural products in order to understand their structure-activity relationships. Molecular and cancer biology projects are then developed to test the compounds, and explore their mechanism of action. Finally, in order to validate the cell-based assays, we often run biochemical assays and use microscopy to visualize theimpact of our compounds on cells.

organic Synthesis ProjectsOur organic chemistry projects focus on synthesizing derivatives of

macrocyclic natural products, which make excellent synthetic starting

points for developing new drugs. By making derivatives, we establish

structure-activity relationships (SAR) between the molecules and their

biological target. These natural products are viable drug candidates, and

their potency in numerous therapeutic areas has long been established.

medicinal Chemistry ProjectsOur medicinal chemistry projects focus on determining the structure-

activity relationships (SAR) for natural product analgos that we have

synthesized and evaluating their mechanism of action studies. One

example is with San B, where we developed SAR of numerous analogs

and tested them in bacteria twitching motility assays.

Assoc. Prof. Shelli R. mcAlpine


T: 0416 728 896 E: [email protected]

meDiCinAL ChemiStRy: SyntheSiS AnD meChAniSm StUDieS

� 1987-1991 B.S.

University of

Illinois Champaign/

Urbana, Prof. E. N.

Jacobsen;

� 1991-1993

Research

Associate Merck

Pharmaceuticals;

� 1993-1997 Ph.D.

UCLA Organic

chemistry;

� 1997-2000 Post-

doc at Harvard,

Prof. S. Schreiber;

� 2000-2006

Assistant Professor

at San Diego State

University;

� 2006-2010

Associate

Professor at

San Diego State

University;

� 2010-2012

Professor at

San Diego State

University;

� 2011-current

Associate

Professor at UNSW.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Professor Barbara messerle

Level 1, Dalton Building, Room 110 (F12)


oRgAnometALLiCS AnD CAtALySiS

Organometallic catalysts are important in reducing the energy used and waste produced of chemical processes by improving the reaction efficiency. We develop novel monometallic and multimetallic transition metal catalysts as well as new methodologies for catalysis. We target key organic transformations, in particular the synthesis of heterocycles and amines.

multimetallic Catalysts for enhanced ReactivityHomogeneous catalytic processes can benefit from cooperative

effects between adjacent active centres mimicking enzymatic

capabilities. Bimetallic complexes are important as homogeneous

catalysts as the immobilization of two metal centres in close proximity

can lead to cooperative effects between the metal centres, so that

the resulting catalysts have exceptional efficiency and selectivity. We

have shown a direct correlation between bimetallic catalyst structure

and catalyst efficiency.

We develop new scaffolds and catalysts for promoting the synthesis

of heterocycles and are also interested in understanding how these

cooperative effects work (in collaboration with Prof S.A. Macgregor, UK).

� Graduate of the

University of

Sydney, BSc Hons

I and University

Medal, 1984, PhD

1987

� Postdoctoral

Research Fellow,

ETH-Zuerich (1987-

1990)

� Gritton Fellow,

University of

Sydney (1990-

1992)

� ARC Queen

Elizabeth II Fellow,

University of

Sydney (1992-

1997)

� ARC Senior

Research Fellow,

University of

Sydney (1997-

1999) and UNSW

(1999-2002)

� UNSW Senior

Lecturer in

Chemistry (2002),

Associate Professor

(2004), Head of

School (2007),

Professor (2008)

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



1. D. M. Ramsey, J. R. McConnell, L. D. Alexander, K.W. Tanaka, C. M. Vera, and S. R. McAlpine* Bioorganic and Med. Chem. Lett. v22, p3287-3290, 2012

2. C. Pan, C. Lin, S. J. Kim, R. P. Sellers, and S. R. McAlpine* In press Tetrahedron Letters (accepted June 24, 2012)

3. E. K. Singh, D. M. Ramsey, and S. R. McAlpine* Org. Lett. v14, p1198-1201, 2012

4. M. R. Davis, E. K. Singh, H. Wahyudi, L. D. Alexander, J. Kunicki, L. A. Nazarova, K. A. Fairweather, A. Giltrap, K. A. Jolliffe, and S. R. McAlpine* Tetrahedron, v68, p1029-1051, 2012

5. V. C Ardi, L. D. Alexander, V. Johnson, and S. R. McAlpine* ACS Chemical Biology v6, p1357, 2011

Another example is our work on a molecule we designed that

targets Hsp90. Hsp90 is a heat shock protein that is involved

in folding many proteins that are responsible for cell division.

Inhibiting its function can halt cell division in

cancerous cells. Thus, it is an outstanding

oncogenic target and currently there are 42

clinical trials that involve Hsp90 inhibitors.

Our molecule, 145, works via a mechanism

that is unique from other compounds as

it inhibits the immunophilins and homologs from binding to the

C-terminus. Thus, our work is targeted at developing a novel

chemotherapeutic agent via Hsp90 inhibition.

Biology based ProjectsBiology projects include defining the mechanism

of action of our Hsp90 inhibitors, and discovering

Hsp70 and Hsp47 inhibitors. In order to

understand how our small molecules work both

in biochemical and cell based assays, we utilize

flow cytometry and the imaging facilities available

at UNSW. This allows us to see the effects

induced by our compounds.

Shown are control cells versus cells treated with

our Hsp90 inhibitor.

[ASSoC. PRof. SheLLi R. mcALPine meDiCinAL ChemiStRy: SyntheSiS AnD meChAniSm StUDieS]

Imaging Data of cells upon drug

!!

Catalyzed reaction: CATALYST

EFFICIENCY

Twitching Motility DataTwitching Motility Data


Assoc. Prof. Jonathan morris



SynthetiC oRgAniC AnD meDiCinAL ChemiStRy

A/Prof Morris’s research interests are focused on the development of biomedical agents. There is a particular emphasis on the synthesis of naturally occurring compounds that have profound biological activities. Such compounds are known to deliver novel leads for pharmaceuticals in a diverse array of therapeutic areas and offer an excellent starting point for medicinal chemistry programs.

total Synthesis of natural ProductsThe development of efficient syntheses of biologically active natural

products continues to be a major activity of the Morris group, with

current targets including dioncophylline E and embellistatin. As

syntheses of these targets are completed, work will be initiated on their

mode of action and their suitability as therapeutic agents.

new Scaffolds for kinase inhibitionKinases play a key role in cell growth and proliferation, so pharmacological

inhibition is a major area of research. Recent work by the Morris group has

established that the marine alkaloid variolin B is a potent kinase inhibitor.

The unique chemical scaffold of variolin B provides us with the opportunity

to develop new molecules that can inhibit kinases that are implicated in

diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Down’s syndrome.

� Graduate of the

University of

Western Australia

(B.Sc.(Hons 1),

1990) and the

Australian National

University (Ph.D.,

1994).

� Postdoctoral

Research Fellow,

The University of

Texas at Austin

(1994-1996).

� Lecturer/Senior

Lecturer, University

of Canterbury

(1997-2004).

� Lecturer/Senior

Lecturer, University

of Adelaide (2004-

2009).

� Appointed

Associate

Professor at UNSW

(2009).

or

Carbon surface

M

L

X X

L


1. J. H. H. Ho, S. Choy, S. A. Macgregor, B. A. Messerle, Organometallics, 2011, 30, 5978.

2. M.J. Page, J. Wagler, and B.A. Messerle Dalton, 7029, 2009

3. S. Dabb, B.A. Messerle,* G. Otting, J. Wagler and A. Willis, Chem Eur J., 14, 10058, 2008

4. L. D. Field, B. A. Messerle, and S. L. Wren, Organometallics, 22,4393 – 4395, 2003

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry


Catalysing multistep Reactions The synthesis of pharmaceuticals relies on the stepwise formation of multiple bonds.

Promoting multistep reactions in a single reaction vessel is highly desirable as it reduces

the energy required and number of by-products formed. We are developing mono-

metallic as well as multimetallic catalysts that mediate two or more sequential reaction

steps. These reactions provide efficient routes to the synthesis of oxygen and nitrogen

containing heterocycles.

Catalysts on Surfaces (with Prof Justin Gooding, UNSW)

The separation of homogeneous catalysts from products or substrates continues to be a

challenge. To overcome this, we are attaching catalysts already developed by our group

onto a variety of robust structures and surfaces. The new anchored catalyst systems can

be readily separated from reaction mixtures. This will not only allow easy catalyst/product

separation, but will also provide a greater control over the nature of catalyst reactivity. The

supports themselves can use the electrochemical properties of the catalysts to promote

reactivity, or induce high enantioselectivity in asymmetric transformations.

[PRofeSSoR BARBARA meSSeRLe oRgAnometALLiCS AnD CAtALySiS]

Toluene-d8, 100 oC

HO

R

NH2

RHO

NH

Hydroamination

+ tBuOK (1eq.)110 oC

R

NH

ONE POT

C3 Alkylation

Quantitative Conversions

+ H2O

n = 1; R = H, Men = 2; R = H

n

n n

NIr

BArF4

ClN

NNN

NO25 mol%



1. Walker, S. R.; Carter, E. J.; Huff, B. C.; Morris, J. C. Chem. Rev. 2009, 3080

2. Echalier, A.; Bettayeb, K.; Ferandin, Y.; Lozach, O.; Clement, M.; Valette, A.; Liger, F.; Marquet, B.; Morris, J.; Endicott, J.; Joseph, B.; Meijer, L. J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 735.

3. Anderson, R. J.; Hill, J. B.; Morris, J. C. J. Org. Chem., 2005, 70, 6204 -6212.

hits and Leads - Discovery and DevelopmentThe expertise developed in devising efficient syntheses of natural products has led to a

series of collaborations with biomedical researchers.

� Anti-leukaemia activity of metabolically stable sphingosine analogues (in collaboration

with Dr Anthony Don, Lowy Cancer Centre)

� Lead Optimisation of Potential Cancer Drugs (in collaboration with Dr Michelle

Henderson, Childrens Cancer Institute Australia)

� Exploiting endothelial heparan sulfate for delivery of novel cardiovascular drugs

(in collaboration with Dr Martin Rees, Centre for Vascular Research, Lowy Cancer

Research Centre)

� Identification and Modification of Chemical Compounds for Hepatitis C Virus

Polymerase Inhibition (in collaboration with Assoc Prof Peter White, BABS, UNSW)

[ASSoC. PRof. JonAthAn moRRiS SynthetiC oRgAniC AnD meDiCinAL ChemiStRy]

Dr. neeraj Sharma


T: 9385 4714

SoLiD StAte AnD mAteRiALS ChemiStRy

Energy-related devices such as batteries and fuel cells are essential in our lives. In order to develop the next generation of technologies we need more power, or better performance, at a lower environmental cost. Research into understanding the interplay between the crystal structure of new materials and their physical properties will allow us to revolutionise how we obtain and store energy.

Our research approach will encompass exploratory synthesis, structural determination, physical property measurements and in situ structure and property characterisation.

In situ studies of materials Investigating materials functioning in actual devices, i.e. in situ, allows

the direct comparison of device performance to the atomic-level

changes in the material. By manipulating the atomic-scale crystal

structure of components, using a variety of synthetic techniques,

improvements in device performance can be achieved, e.g., better

lithium-ion batteries can be made.

� Graduate of

the School

of Chemistry,

University of

Sydney (B.Sc.

(Hons), 2005, P.hD.

2010)

� Postdoctoral

Researcher, The

Bragg Institute,

Australian

Nuclear Science

and Technology

Organisation (2009-

2012)

� AINSE Research

Fellowship, Lecturer

in Chemistry, UNSW

(2012)

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Assoc. Prof. John Stride



PhySiCAL inoRgAniC & mAteRiALS ChemiStRy

The development of new compounds and structures having specific properties or functionality designed-in; highly interdisciplinary, rapidly evolving with the potential to directly feed into applications in emergent technologies.

nanostructured materialsFrom graphene and carbon nanostructures through to semi-conducting

nanoparticles such as quantum dots and photocatalytic transition metal

oxides, nanotechnologies hold great promise in a range of applications,

including alternatives to traditional Si-based photovoltaics, high density

energy storage, self-cleaning surfaces and even as bio-labelling

compounds.

clockwise from top left: (i & ii) TEM images of graphene sheets synthesised at UNSW; (iii) selected area electron diffraction image of a single sheet, highlighting the crystallinity of the sheet; (iv) TEM & energy dispersive X-ray images of graphene sheets functionalised with para-bromophenyl groups upon a lacey carbon substrate (light blue C; red Br) - note the decoration of Br only on the graphene sheet; (v) CdSe quantum dots decorated onto a single graphene sheet.

� Graduate of

University of East

Anglia (B.Sc.(Hons),

1991, Ph.D., 1995).

� Postdoctoral Fellow,

Hahn-Meitner

Institute, Berlin

(1995-1998).

� Marie Curie

Fellowship,

Laboratoire Léon

Brillouin, Saclay,

France (1998-2000).

� Physicist, Institut

Laue-Langevin,

Grenoble (2000-

2005).

� Appointed ANSTO

Bragg Lecturer in

Materials Chemistry

at UNSW (2005),

Associate Professor

(2009).

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry


[DR. neeRAJ ShARmA SoLiD StAte AnD mAteRiALS ChemiStRy]

Development of new ionic conductors Full solid-state devices are more advantageous than liquid-containing devices as they

are generally safer and more robust under harsh conditions however limitations arise

particularly due to the lower ionic conductivity in solids. Exploring the mechanism of

ionic conduction in solids, and its relationship to factors such as temperature and dopant

concentration is a method to significantly improve solid-state devices.

Structural investigations using neutron and X-ray scatteringSingle crystal, solid-state and electrochemical synthetic techniques can be used

to tailor-make new materials for specific applications, but critical to this process is

the characterisation tools employed to elucidate the arrangement of atoms. Use of

the Australian Synchrotron and the neutron scattering facilities at ANSTO provide

unparalleled insight into these materials.


1. N. Sharma, G. Du, Z. Guo, J. Wang, Z. Wang, V. K. Peterson, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2012, 134, 7867

2. R.J. Gummow, N. Sharma, V.K. Peterson, Y. He, J. Solid State Chem., 2012, 188, 32 (cover)

3. G. Du, N. Sharma, V. K. Peterson, J. Kimpton, Z. Guo, Adv. Funct. Mater., 2011, 21, 3990


Dr. Pall thordarson



PhySiCAL oRgAniC ChemiStRy AnD nAnoteChnoLogy

Combining the latest advances in synthetic and physical organic chemistry with advanced characterisation tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), our work is aimed at i) understand better complex self-assembly processes and ii) create functional nanomaterials by self-assembly for application ranging from catalysis to drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Light-driven chromophore-protein hybridsAt the core of this work is the idea that light can be used to control

protein function by forming hybrids between synthetic chromophores

and redox active proteins. These systems are then self-assembled either

on surfaces or in large polymer-based vesicles to create enzymatic

cascades for applications such as proton pumping.

� BSc. (U. Iceland

1996) and PhD

Chemistry (U.

Sydney 2001).

� Marie Curie Fellow,

Nijmegen, The

Netherlands then

Research Fellow U.

Sydney.

� Appointed Senior

Lecturer at UNSW

(2007). Future

Fellowship (2012).

� Young Tall Poppy

Science Award

(2008) and

the Australian

Academy of

Science Le Fèvre

Memorial prize

(2012).


1. Choucair, M., Thordarson, P., Stride, J.A., Nat. Nanotechnol., 2009, 4, 30.

2. Nadeem, M.A., Thornton, A.W., Hill, M.R. and Stride, J.A., Dalton Trans., 2011, 40, 3398.

3. Nadeem, M.A., Bhadbhade, M., Bircher, R. and Stride, J.A., Cryst. Growth Des., 2010, 10, 4060.

4. Ng, M.C.C., Craig, D.J., Harper, J.B., van-Eijck, L., Stride, J.A., Chemistry, Eur. J., 2009, 15, 6569.

[A/PRof. John StRiDe PhySiCAL inoRgAniC & mAteRiALS ChemiStRy]

metal-organic and covalent framework materialsHighly porous materials have internal voids and channels of similar size to individual

molecules, making them ideal for size-selective sieving, the storage and capture of

gases (H2 storage, CO

2 sequestration, etc.) and even as molecular-sized reactor vessels.

These low-density, high surface area materials exhibit a whole range of properties that

can be tailored toward specific applications.

framework materials often have inherently high internal surface areas, making them ideal materials for gas storage and catalytic applications (left): a recently synthesised Ni-based MOF having a calculated void volume of around 25% (right): a copper-based MOF displaying size-selective gas uptake; nitrogen is too large to efficiently enter in to the pores (getting partially trapped on desorption), whilst smaller hydrogen molecules undergo perfectly reversible adsorption/desorption isotherms.

neutron scatteringThe Australian scientific community has access to world-class

neutron scattering facilities housed at ANSTO, Lucas Heights,

where neutron beams are used to study condensed matter

materials. The Stride Group is a major neutron user in the

Australian community and has direct input to a number of new

instrument development programs, primarily in inelastic and

time-of-flight spectrometers.

inelastic neutron scattering has allowed the elucidation of the anomalous properties of the solid state structures of tetratolyl Group XIV analogues; by studying the phonon-weighted vibrational density of states (bottom), the importance of intermolecular interactions in driving the crystal structures (top).

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



Dr. Chuan Zhao


E: [email protected]

nAnoeLeCtRoChemiCAL teChnoLogy foR CLeAn eneRgy AnD BioniCS

� Graduate of

Northwest

University (PhD,

2002), Postdoctoral

Fellow, Carl

von Ossietzky

Universität

Oldenburg (2002-

2006), Research

Fellow, Monash

University (2006-

2010), Australian

Research Fellow,

Australian

Research Council

(2010), Appointed

Lecturer at UNSW

(2010), Senior

Lecturer (2011)

Our research addresses electrochemical problems in energy and life sciences by using nanotechnology and biotechnology. Our primary interest is on electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and bionics which include sensors, lab-on-chip and neural prostheses. Research in our lab involves extensive collaborations with groups from within the University and outside from industry, CSIRO, and Germany.

nanostructured electrodes for energy Conversion and StorageElectrocatalysts are the key for direct conversion and storage of

electrical energy obtained from sustainable resources into chemical

energy. We are interested in discovering novel nanocarbon materials

(e.g. nanotubes, nanoribbons and graphene), metal and metal oxide

nanoparticles, and polyoxometalate-based electrocatalysts for use in

electrochemical energy devices such as solar water splitting, fuel cells,

and Li-air batteries.

Molecular Devices

MedicinalChemistry



1. Pall Thordarson, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2011, 40, 1305.

2. David Hvasanov, Jörg Wiedenmann, Filip Braet, Pall Thordarson, Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 6314.

3. Joshua R Peterson, Trevor A Smith, Pall Thordarson, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2010, 8, 151.

4. Katie WK Tong, Sabrina Dehn, James EA Webb, Kio Nakamura, Filip Braet, Pall Thordarson, Langmuir, 2009, 25, 8586.

Understanding Self-assembly in water – from nanoscale fibres and vesicles to macroscopic gelsSelf-assembled systems in water is what makes life – think cell membranes, organelles

and the extra cellular matrix between cells! Our work is focused on the kinetics of self-

assembly in water using a combination of spectroscopic, scattering and microscopic

methods such as AFM. This work should allow us to predict better a priori the properties

of these systems and hence enhance their utility in a range of areas including display

technologies, drug delivery and regenerative medicine.

nanomedicine: Smart soft nanomaterials for medical applicationsThis work is aimed at designing and synthesising peptide-based smart soft

nanomaterials for application in medicine ranging from drug delivery and 3D-cell culture

models to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. In collaboration with medical

researcher both inside and outside UNSW, we are targeting systems such as brain

cancers and muscular dystrophy.

[DR. PALL thoRDARSon PhySiCAL oRgAniC ChemiStRy AnD nAnoteChnoLogy]

44 School of Chemistry Research Booklet 45

ionic Liquids as “green” Solvents and electrolytes Ionic liquids (ILs), liquids that contain essentially only ions, are novel electrolytes and

often have extremely low vapor pressure (environmentally friendly), low combustibility,

excellent thermal stability and wide electrochemical windows. We develop novel

classes of protic ionic liquids (PILs) and also explore their applications as “green”

solvents and superior electrolytes for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and

electrodeposition.

Biomimetics and neural ProsthesesFrom photosynthesis to the respiratory electron transport chain, Nature has created elaborate

mechanisms for controlling the activity of enzymatic cascades, in both time and space,

however only inside the living cell. We mimic these exquisite processes at artificial surfaces for

development of bio-mimetic devices such as biosensors, biofuel cells and bioreactors. We are

also developing microelectrode fabrication and characterization techniques for the design of

next-generation high-resolution and site-specific neural prostheses in collaboration with Cochlear.


1. C. Zhao, A.M. Bond, Xunyu Lu, Anal. Chem. 2012, 84, 2784

2. X. Lu, G. Burrell, F. Separovic, C. Zhao, J. Phys. Chem. B, 2012, 116, 9160

3. C. Zhao, D. R. MacFarlane, A.M. Bond. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 16195

4. C. Zhao, A.M. Bond. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 4279

5. C. Zhao and G. Wittstock, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2004, 43, 4170

[DR ChUAn ZhAo nAnoeLeCtRoChemiCAL teChnoLogy foR CLeAn eneRgy AnD BioniCS]

honoUrs in the school of chemistry Contact: A/Prof. marcus Cole (honours Coordinator)

The School of Chemistry offers Honours programs that are suitable for students enrolled

in Science (program 3970) and Advanced Science (program 3972). Both programs are

of equal standing and the assessment is predominantly based on your record during the

Honours year (90%).

Is the Honours degree worth the extra year it takes? The answer is certainly “Yes!” for

many people:

� Employers in industry and the public sector will employ an Honours graduate over a

graduate with a pass degree.

� Honours is essential for anybody contemplating postgraduate studies in Chemistry.

� Honours gives you “hands-on” experience in managing your own research project.

� An Honours degree demonstrates you can work independently.

� Honours allows you to work closely with a research group and make a contribution to

your field.

What Does An honours year entail?The aim of the Honours year is to continue a student’s development into a well rounded

chemist and research scientist by exposing him or her to independent research, higher

level courses, and a broad range of fields in chemistry through their attendance of research

seminars. The original research project forms the main component of the Honours year

(75%).

Research ProjectThe research project is the distinctive feature of the Honours year. It is the major undertaking of

the year, and is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of Honours.

Students work on original research projects conceived and overseen by an academic

member of staff. While students are instructed by their supervisor on the nature of the

project and given guidance in how to conduct it, it is expected that the students perform all

experimental work independently. They are expected to prepare and analyze experimental

results and work with the supervisor to identify and overcome any problems. At the

completion of the year they present a thesis detailing the background, aims, experimental

procedures, results, conclusions and future directions of the project.


hiGher DeGree research in the school of chemistry Contact: A/Prof. Jonathan morris (Postgraduate Coordinator)

The School’s higher degree research programs lead to respected qualifications and

provide the opportunity to work and learn alongside researchers and educators of high

standing. With our new research and teaching facilities, the School of Chemistry is well

placed to support motivated research students from anywhere in the world. The research

groups in the School have direct access to a large range of the most modern research

equipment, including state-of-the-art surface analysis equipment, nuclear magnetic

resonance spectrometers, and analytical chemistry equipment.

Undertaking a research degree will give you the opportunity to learn how to do research in

chemistry. When you undertake a research project in the School of Chemistry, you will join

a research team and you will be able to take part in the many opportunities for learning

provided by UNSW. A postgraduate research degree will teach you how to manage your

own research programme and how to problem solve on a large scale. These skills will be

useful in many future careers, in industry as well as in academia. Our Ph.D. students move

into jobs in industry (such as the biotechnology and plastics industries, environmental

control and agriculture), in academic institutions both here and overseas, as well as

with the government. A research degree is a wonderful opportunity to learn as well as

contribute new ideas.

There are three postgraduate research programmes offered by the School of Chemistry:

� Ph.D. – Research programme (minimum 3 years full-time study)

� M.Sc. – Research programme (minimum 1½ years full-time study)

� M.Phil. – Research and coursework programme (minimum 1 year full-time study)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

This programme, which may be taken in one of a range of specialisations, leads to the

highest research degree. The Doctoral degree in Chemistry is a recognition of successful

research in that discipline. The candidate must make a distinct contribution to knowledge

- of fact and/or in theory. Your project will be supervised by experienced academic staff

who are internationally recognised in their fields. The School has an enviable record in

graduating successful Australian and international scientists.

eligibilityFor admission to Honours in the School of Chemistry, it is expected that a student will

have achieved a credit average (WAM of 65) in their undergraduate degree with a major in

Chemistry. Students with qualifications in other disciplines may also be eligible for admission.

Students can enter Honours in Chemistry in either semester 1 or semester 2.

The prerequisite for admission to Chemistry Honours is the completion of a major in

Chemistry in the Advanced Science BSc degree (3972) or the BSc degree (3970), or a

related discipline such as medical chemistry or environmental science.

Students who have completed pass degree requirements at a University other than UNSW,

or who have already graduated with a pass degree from UNSW, may be eligible to undertake

Honours in the School of Chemistry. In such cases, please contact the Honours Coordinator

for clarification.

how to ApplyIf you are eligible to enrol (see above), consult the School of Chemistry Research Booklet

booklet to determine which research areas interest you, and discuss these with the relevant

academic members of staff. It is strongly recommended that you talk to all prospective

supervisors in your area of interest.

Your choice of research area and supervisor is of paramount importance to the success

of your project and your Honours year. You are advised to obtain as much information as

possible before making your decision.

Before the end of the semester preceding your Honours year, submit a letter of application

to the Honours coordinator* to undertake Honours as-well-as your choice of supervisors.

Indicate three supervisors with an order of preference. This letter can be issued by email.

* Included with this application should be a certified copy of your academic statement if your degree is from a university other than UNSW.


Master of Science (M.Sc)

This programme is designed primarily as a training course in advanced work. The candidate

learns the fundamentals of research in an area of Chemistry and acquires skills in new

chemical techniques. The candidate must undertake an original investigation but this would

normally be more limited in scope than for a Doctorate. You will be supervised by the same

staff as the Ph.D. candidates and, after a year of good progress, may apply to transfer to the

Ph.D. programme.

Master of Philosophy (M. Phil)

This program involves a research project and a component of coursework, including research

methodology. The candidate learns the fundamentals of research in an area of Chemistry

and acquires skills in new chemical techniques. The candidate must undertake an original

investigation but this would normally be more limited in scope than for a MSc.

Admission and ScholarshipsTo undertake a research degree, it is necessary to apply for admission to the degree programme,

as well as separately apply for scholarship support. It is important to choose a research topic that

really interests you, along with an appropriate research supervisor. The research interests of the

academic staff are provided in this Booklet. It is important that prospective students contact the

relevant staff members directly regarding their research interests.

A wide range of scholarships is available to both local and international students.

Scholarships are available from the Australian government as well as UNSW. In addition to

these, the School offers some living allowances and teaching scholarships.

The Graduate Research School along with the School of Chemistry will help you to prepare

your application to study towards a higher degree. A description of the steps you need to

undertake to make an application is available at the following web site:

http://research.unsw.edu.au/how-apply-postgraduate-research-study-program

Information about application fees for international and local students is available from the

GRS website.

Research ProjectAs a part of the application for entry to either the Ph.D., the M.Sc. or the M. Phil. degree

programme, you will need to indicate a research area and write a brief proposal of the

research project that you are interested in doing. You need to identify a supervisor whose

interests are close to yours and make contact prior to finalising your application. You can find

a complete list of supervisors and their research interests in this Booklet.

All applications must be sufficiently detailed to enable the University to determine whether it

is possible to provide adequate supervision and resources to support your research.

Each application proposal should be ca. 100 words long and should include the following;

� a statement of the research problem and its significance

� an outline of the method to be used to analyse the problem

� the names of the academic you have selected to work with in the School, and evidence of

communication with that academic.

� details of previous publications and/or research undertaken in your nominated area of interest

finalising the Application – offer of a placeOnce your application for admission to a research degree programme is received by the

GRS it is checked, and sent to the School of Chemistry. If you have not selected a research

supervisor, or the supervisor you selected cannot act as your supervisor, it may be necessary

for the School to assign another supervisor.

Once your application has been accepted by the School and Faculty and (where applicable)

a supervisor has agreed to supervise you, an offer will be sent to you by post.

Please note: An offer of a place does not correspond to an offer of a scholarship – for

financial support, it is essential to apply additionally for scholarships or alternate funding.


Research Booklet 2012

Never Stand Still Faculty of Science School of Chemistry

research booklet 2012 - university of new south wales · 2012-09-07 · the structures shown above...

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