The focus of this research is preparation and characterization of a series of molecules based upon hexameric aggregates of polycarboxylic acids that reproduce key features of biological self- assembly, including precise control of aggregation number, stability in different environments, formation of self-assembled substrate binding sites and the construction of functional aggregates. Large aggregates with nanometer scale dimensions, three dimensional aggregates with functional cavities and the formation of designed solids are further goals for the research. With this renewal award, the Synthetic Organic Program is supporting the research of Dr. Andrew D. Hamilton of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. Professor Hamilton will focus his work on understanding the structural and functional basis of molecular self -assembly in both the solid and solution state. He will use synthetic molecules to mimic and probe the origins of biological order.
