Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique widely used in both clinical and experimental settings to produce high-resolution images of opaque living organisms without utilizing ionizing radiation. Currently, MR imaging is augmented by contrast agents; however, these small molecule Gd(III) chelates are confined to extracellular and vascular regions of the...
This thesis discusses the synthesis, self-assembly, and conductivity properties of novel oligothiophene derivatives with an emphasis on how molecular structure effects the assembly. In order to facilitate self-assembly in conjugated molecules, specific non-covenant forces were included into the molecular design of several derivatives. First, an amphiphilic oligothiophene derivative consisting of...
This thesis focuses on the design of hybrid organic materials comprising polymers and small molecules for biodiagnostic and electronic applications. Specifically, the electrochemical and fluorescent signaling properties of terthiophene-functionalized polymers are combined with the enhanced recognition properties of DNA hybrid materials, culminating in the development of a "loaded" probe for...
π-Conjugated oligomeric and polymeric semiconductors have been the focus of intense research over the past few decades as alternatives to inorganic semiconductors for low-cost electronic applications such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). These materials enable vapor- or solution-phase fabrication of large-area, light-weight electronic devices, and are compatible with plastic substrates...
The biological antagonism between copper and molybdenum, first observed when cattle developed copper deficiencies after ingesting high levels of plant-born molybdenum, is currently being used in humans to treat two conditions: Wilson's Disease as well as several forms of metastatic cancer. There is surprisingly little known about the interaction of...
The work presented here describes investigations into the interaction of resonant molecules with metallic nanoparticles by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy. The contents of this thesis include the study of the coupling mechanism between molecular resonance and plasmon resonance from experimental and theoretical perspectives and applications of this mechanism...
Part 1. The complex folded structures associated with RNA allow for specific protein-RNA interactions and also create binding sites for small molecules. Developing organic molecules that can bind RNA with high affinity and specificity is a challenge that must be overcome for RNA to be considered a viable drug target....
The [(salen)CrCl + LB] catalyst system was found to be a highly active catalyst system for the [aziridine + CO<sub>2</sub>] coupling reaction, and exhibited a marked preference for the formation of 5-substituted oxazolidinone product, especially in the absence of cocatalyst. The activity of this catalyst system is optimized by modifying...
High relaxivity contrast agents are of great importance in the advancement of magnetic resonance imaging diagnostics for use in biomaterials. Biomaterials that are implanted into the body, with the goal of repairing or regenerating lost or damaged tissue, need to be tracked noninvasively, over time. I have completed work using...
Two new strategies have been developed to accomplish direct nucleophilic acylation reactions. In the first approach, acylsilanes are added to various electrophiles using N-heterocyclic carbenes as catalysts. The second method utilizes O-silyl thiazolium carbinols as stoichiometric acyl anion precursors to afford acylated products under mild reaction conditions.
N-heterocyclic carbenes generated...