David C. Sherrington

Bio: David C. Sherrington is an academic researcher from University of Strathclyde. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Copolymer. The author has an hindex of 61, co-authored 298 publications receiving 14065 citations. Previous affiliations of David C. Sherrington include Aston University & Vienna University of Technology.

Utilisation of homogeneous and supported chiral metal(salen) complexes in asymmetric catalysis

Abstract: The first salen ligand and Cu complex were discovered in 1889, and gradually the potential catalytic activity of subsequent salen species has been recognised, particularly in the case of achiral salen complexes in oxidation reactions. The development of chiral salen metal complexes and catalysts in the last decade has however stimulated a very rapid growth in the chemistry and application of these species. The variety of asymmetric reactions in which particular chiral metal salen complexes are proving useful grows steadily, and there is no evidence of this growth slowing. This review summarises the key work and references on soluble chiral metal salen complex catalysts categorised according to the metal centre. It also describes the work to date on producing supported heterogeneous chiral analogues of some of these.

Self-assembly in synthetic macromolecular systems via multiple hydrogen bonding interactions

Abstract: Self-assembly yielding supramolecular systems is a relatively new and fascinating area in polymer science. By combining a knowledge of organic and bio-organic chemistry with synthetic polymer chemistry many self-assembling structures can be developed in synthetic polymer systems via exploitation of inter- and/or intramolecular interactions. This review describes some double, triple and quadruple hydrogen bonding systems from the recent literature which have been used in this context.

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) — Structure, properties and use in polymer preparation

Abstract: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are concentrated systems possessing a large volume of internal, or dispersed phase. The volume fraction is above 0.74, resulting in deformation of the dispersed phase droplets into polyhedra, which are separated by thin films of continuous phase. Their structure, which is analogous to a conventional gas-liquid foam of low liquid content, gives rise to a number of peculiar and fascinating properties including high viscosities and viscoelastic rheological behaviour. Like dilute emulsions, HIPEs are both kinetically and thermodynamically unstable; nevertheless, it is possible to prepare metastable systems which show no change in properties or appearance over long periods of time.

Gold nanoparticles in chemical and biological sensing.

Abstract: Detection of chemical and biological agents plays a fundamental role in biomedical, forensic and environmental sciences1–4 as well as in anti bioterrorism applications.5–7 The development of highly sensitive, cost effective, miniature sensors is therefore in high demand which requires advanced technology coupled with fundamental knowledge in chemistry, biology and material sciences.8–13 In general, sensors feature two functional components: a recognition element to provide selective/specific binding with the target analytes and a transducer component for signaling the binding event. An efficient sensor relies heavily on these two essential components for the recognition process in terms of response time, signal to noise (S/N) ratio, selectivity and limits of detection (LOD).14,15 Therefore, designing sensors with higher efficacy depends on the development of novel materials to improve both the recognition and transduction processes. Nanomaterials feature unique physicochemical properties that can be of great utility in creating new recognition and transduction processes for chemical and biological sensors15–27 as well as improving the S/N ratio by miniaturization of the sensor elements.28 Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess distinct physical and chemical attributes that make them excellent scaffolds for the fabrication of novel chemical and biological sensors (Figure 1).29–36 First, AuNPs can be synthesized in a straightforward manner and can be made highly stable. Second, they possess unique optoelectronic properties. Third, they provide high surface-to-volume ratio with excellent biocompatibility using appropriate ligands.30 Fourth, these properties of AuNPs can be readily tuned varying their size, shape and the surrounding chemical environment. For example, the binding event between recognition element and the analyte can alter physicochemical properties of transducer AuNPs, such as plasmon resonance absorption, conductivity, redox behavior, etc. that in turn can generate a detectable response signal. Finally, AuNPs offer a suitable platform for multi-functionalization with a wide range of organic or biological ligands for the selective binding and detection of small molecules and biological targets.30–32,36 Each of these attributes of AuNPs has allowed researchers to develop novel sensing strategies with improved sensitivity, stability and selectivity. In the last decade of research, the advent of AuNP as a sensory element provided us a broad spectrum of innovative approaches for the detection of metal ions, small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, malignant cells, etc. in a rapid and efficient manner.37 Figure 1 Physical properties of AuNPs and schematic illustration of an AuNP-based detection system. In this current review, we have highlighted the several synthetic routes and properties of AuNPs that make them excellent probes for different sensing strategies. Furthermore, we will discuss various sensing strategies and major advances in the last two decades of research utilizing AuNPs in the detection of variety of target analytes including metal ions, organic molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and microorganisms.

Solid phase peptide synthesis utilizing 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl amino acids

Abstract: 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acids were first used for solid phase peptide synthesis a little more than a decade ago. Since that time, Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis methodology has been greatly enhanced by the introduction of a variety of solid supports, linkages, and side chain protecting groups, as well as by increased understanding of solvation conditions. These advances have led to many impressive syntheses, such as those of biologically active and isotopically labeled peptides and small proteins. The great variety of conditions under which Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out represents a truly "orthogonal" scheme, and thus offers many unique opportunities for bioorganic chemistry.

Designed synthesis of 3D covalent organic frameworks.

Abstract: Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) were synthesized by targeting two nets based on triangular and tetrahedral nodes: ctn and bor. The respective 3D COFs were synthesized as crystalline solids by condensation reactions of tetrahedral tetra(4-dihydroxyborylphenyl) methane or tetra(4-dihydroxyborylphenyl)silane and by co-condensation of triangular 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene. Because these materials are entirely constructed from strong covalent bonds (C-C, C-O, C-B, and B-O), they have high thermal stabilities (400° to 500°C), and they also have high surface areas (3472 and 4210 square meters per gram for COF-102 and COF-103, respectively) and extremely low densities (0.17 grams per cubic centimeter).