Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
09:34
Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
7.5K
Manifold dynamic non-covalent interactions for steering molecular assembly and cyclization.
Shaotang Song1, Lulu Wang1, Jie Su1
1Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore 3 Science Drive 3 Singapore 117543 chmwmw@nus.edu.sg.
Chemical Science
|October 20, 2021
Summary
Researchers used advanced microscopy to reveal weak molecular interactions in clusters. These interactions control molecular assembly and chemical reactions, enabling new ways to build complex nanostructures.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Physics
- Surface Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Non-covalent interactions are vital for molecular design and function.
- Characterizing weak interactions at the single-bond level in complex systems is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multiple non-covalent interactions governing molecular clustering.
- To understand how these interactions control chemical reactions on surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Bond-resolved scanning probe microscopy (SPM).
- Exhaustive structural search algorithms.
- Quantum chemistry calculations.
Main Results:
- Identified diverse non-covalent interactions (hydrogen, halogen, C-H⋯π, lone pair⋯π) in dimer and trimer clusters.
- Observed dynamic transformation of dimers to trimers with increasing molecular density.
- Demonstrated that trimer formation facilitates Ullmann coupling, while dimer disassembly favors cyclization.
Conclusions:
- Weak interactions play a critical role in controlling molecular assembly and on-surface synthesis.
- This approach offers new possibilities for designing complex molecular architectures and quantum nanostructures.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules
59.3K
Noncovalent attractions are associations within and between molecules that influence the shape and structural stability of complexes. These interactions differ from covalent bonding in that they do not involve sharing of electrons.
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...
59.3K
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
13.4K
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
13.4K
01:18Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
22.9K
Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
22.9K
01:22Protein Folding
123.4K
Overview
123.4K
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
6.0K
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
6.0K
01:16Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation
3.8K
Thermal cycloadditions are reactions where the source of activation energy needed to initiate the reaction is provided in the form of heat. A typical example of a thermally-allowed cycloaddition is the Diels–Alder reaction, which is a [4 + 2] cycloaddition. In contrast, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition is thermally forbidden.
3.8K