Self-assembled supramolecular cages for guest binding and catalysis

Cage-shaped molecules containing metal ions have been the subject of a huge amount of research. However, in nearly all of these cages the metal ions are 'coordinatively saturated,' i.e. blocked and cannot be used for anything other than assembling the cage. This project will develop a new family of cage molecules that contain open metal active sites and will study their use as catalysts. Catalysts lower the energy barrier for chemical processes to occur and also allow selective formation of one product rather than a range of products. They are highly valued by industry and used in the manufacture of 75% of chemicals. The cages prepared in this project could be used in more efficient and environmentally friendly industrial processes, for example in advanced manufacturing of fine chemicals and in the breakdown of organic contaminants. This will benefit Australia by reducing environmental contamination and positioning Australia at the forefront of advanced manufacturin