Our research interests encompass the supramolecular chemistry topics of host-guest recognition and self-assembly, along with lanthanide coordination chemistry. As might be inferred by the Venn diagram below, we are particularly interested in exploiting combinations of these areas of research.
The study of ionic and molecular recognition, as carried out by supramolecular chemists, has largely focused on the binding and sensing of relatively simple targets, such as metal cations or inorganic anions. Our aim is to prepare novel receptor molecules capable of the recognition of more challenging targets, for example, ion pairs and chiral organic molecules.
It is anticipated that promising receptors will be incorporated into sensory devices for the guest species which they preferentially bind. This can be achieved by linking the receptor to a reporter group, which provides a “real-world” response (e. g. an optical or electrochemical signal) upon binding of the ionic or molecular guest. Alternatively, a receptor may be immobilized into a material that is then packaged with an electrode to produce a sensory device.

While the primary research aim is guest recognition, the ability to selectively bind, and hence possibly gain control over, a chemical species has real significance in a number of scientific research areas. Projects looking to exploit ionic and molecular recognition in non-sensory applications are therefore also currently under development.
We are particularly interested in using the 3D structures of catenanes and rotaxanes to create new receptors. However, to maximize the opportunities interlocked molecules offer, synthetic routes to these species need to be rapid, scalable and allow for the incorporation of functionality to bind their target guests. Therefore, a key ongoing focus has been on the development of rapid syntheses of catenanes and rotaxanes deploying hydrogen bond templation.

Methodologies for the hydrogen bond templated synthesis of catenanes and/or rotaxanes:
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2015, 13, 11021-11025
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2016, 14, 7972-7981
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2017, 15, 2797-2803
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2023, 21, 402-414
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2024, 22, 7632-7636
We have recently used one of these methodologies to prepare a [2]catenane receptor for lithium cations: Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2024, 22, 3001-3008.
In addition, we have also prepared:
- Mechanically chiral [2]rotaxanes;
Chemical Communications, 2019, 55, 1576-1579
Chemistry – A European Journal, 2023, 29, e2022030502 - A peptide-displaying [1]rotaxane – inspired by naturally occurring lasso peptides;
Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2020, 18, 5203-5209 - Other structurally interesting interlocked molecular architectures, e.g. catenanes and rotaxanes incorporating the exotic cubane motif (in collaboration with Susannah Coote).
Chemical Communications, 2024, 60, 11532-11535
Finally, with an array of interesting luminescence, magnetic and catalytic properties, we have been inspired to begin developing our own research projects on lanthanide coordination chemistry. Watch this space! In the meantime, here is a review on lanthanide containing interlocked molecules: ChemPlusChem, 2020, 85, 783-792.
Funding
We are very grateful to those who support our research. To date this includes:
EPSRC, Innovate UK, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Amigo Chem, Joy Welch Educational Charitable Trust and Lancaster University.