This grant from the Organic Dynamics Program supports the NMR spectroscopic studies of Professor Pochapsky at Brandeis University. The studies focus on the characterization of closed-shell ion pairs and ionic aggregates. The research on chiral and achiral ammonium cations with borohydride and chloride anions concentrates on the structures of ion-pairs, the effect of ion pairing on chemical reactivity, and dynamic self-assembling systems. The design of improved stereo-selectivity in phase-transfer catalysis is targeted. A broad spectrum of advanced NMR techniques will be used in conjunction with molecular modeling techniques and vibrational spectroscopy to illucidate the structural and dynamic properties of ion-pairs. In this spectroscopic project Dr. Pochapsky uses nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for the characterization of the structures, reactivities, and dynamic behavior of ion-pairs and ionic aggregates. These studies use chiral ammonium cations and are valuable for the design of improved chiral recognition in the important area of phase transfer catalysis. The combined use of advanced spectroscopic techniques and molecular modeling is of further interest to the chemical community.
