Novel approaches to absolute structure

The function, activity and specificity of organic compounds are decided by their 3D structure in solution, and accurate characterization methods are of great value in e.g. drug discovery. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique in structure elucidation of organic compounds and have been used to identify countless compounds as well as their interactions. This thesis covers work related to expanding the applicability of NMR structural analysis towards compounds, whose 3D structure still represent a challenge for the structure elucidation process.

Graphene oxide (GO) has risen as a novel material with numerous fascinating properties and potential applications. The introduction of oxygen functionalities make GO dispersible in aqueous solutions, where it forms liquid crystals. When placed in a magnetic field, the GO may induce a degree of orientational order for dissolved compounds relative to the external magnetic field; described as GO inducing alignment of compounds or GO being applied as an alignment media for acquisition of NMR spectra under anisotropic conditions. Additional structural information can be extracted from these spectra and used in structure elucidation of organic compounds. The alignment properties of GO were explored using model compounds, resulting in many observations for sample preparation and stability of GO solutions, among these discussions related to the effects of GO concentration and solvent composition for the degree of alignment.

Multiple methods of GO functionalization was pursued to expand its applicability toward a broader range of compounds and enable enantiodiscrimination. The synthesized materials were analyzed using AFM, IR and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results highlight the need for a critical approach when characterizing functionalized GO materials.


Supervisor

Associate Professor Charlotte Gotfredsen