This project deals with the creation of molecular scale tubules with special properties. The investigator proposes to convert special columnar liquid crystals with disk-like components into stable multi-molecular hollow cylinders which have hydrophobic exteriors and hydrophilic interiors. The size and shape and mirror image selectivity of the holes in the cylinders can be varied to allow a wide variety of ions and enantiomers to be complexed and separated. The special columns are stabilized by polymerizing appropriate groups which are introduced into their alkyl chains. The type and location of the groups on the chains will allow intracolumnar (vertical) and/or intercolumnar (horizontal) polymerization to occur selectively. Following the above processes, the template saccharide units are removed, leaving hollow microcylinders. If successful, this approach will allow a wide variety of robust molecular aggregates to be employed as selective membranes and complexing agents. Since the template core groups of the hollow cylinders can be a variety of cyclic saccharides, diverse sizes and shapes of guest molecules can be included in the hollow cylinders to the exclusion of their relatives. It is anticipated that this approach could lead to development of membranes which can be engineered, as specific needs arise, by selecting an appropriate precursor saccharide from the shelf. The possible applications for the proposed devises are manifold. In the drug industry, they can be used to remove deleterious side products or to isolate small quantities of beneficial species in the presence of large excesses of other compounds. If the precursor columnar liquid crystals can be oriented with magnetic or electrical fields, the polymerized cylinders may be sufficiently long to serve as molecular light pipes or one-dimensional, single electron wires. Though fabrication of these devices is outside the scope of this project, the objective of the project is to discern the feasibility of an approach which could eventually lead to such novel devices.
