Pronay Kumar Biswas

Bio: Pronay Kumar Biswas is an academic researcher from Folkwang University of the Arts. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Component (thermodynamics). The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 11 publications receiving 180 citations. Previous affiliations of Pronay Kumar Biswas include University of Siegen.

(Nano)mechanical Motion Triggered by Metal Coordination: from Functional Devices to Networked Multicomponent Catalytic Machinery

Abstract: A look at the elegance and efficiency of biological machines readily reveals that Nature masters the full gamut of chemical interactions to compose masterpieces of the living world. The present analysis singles out metal coordination for the actuation of nanomechanical motion. According to our analysis, metal coordination has a manifold of rewards, putting it primo loco in opportunities for putting nanomechanical systems into action: (i) its strength and dynamics can be properly modulated and fine-tuned by the choice of metal, redox state, and ligand(s), (ii) the high directionality of the interaction allows reliable design, and (iii) the emergence of novel self-sorting algorithms allows multiple of these interactions to be working in parallel. On top of all these advantages, intermolecular metal-ion translocation is a well-known factor in biological signaling. These benefits have recently proven their usefulness in the operation of networked devices and in overcoming the limitations of traditional stand-alone molecular systems.

Rotating Catalysts Are Superior: Suppressing Product Inhibition by Anchimeric Assistance in Four-Component Catalytic Machinery.

Abstract: Three distinct four-component supramolecular nanorotors, prepared by varying the rotator’s structure and keeping all other components constant, exhibit rotational frequencies that differ by almost 2 orders of magnitude. When the rotors were used as catalyst for two click reactions, the product yield correlated with the speed of the machine, e.g., 20% at 0.50 kHz, 44% at 20 kHz and 62% at 42 kHz. The kinetic effect on the product yield is attributed to the ability of the rotating catalysts to displace the product more efficiently from the active site at higher speed (anchimeric assistance). This mechanistic hypothesis was convincingly corroborated by a linear correlation between product yield and product liberation.

Influence of Rotator Design on the Speed of Self-Assembled Four-Component Nanorotors: Coordinative Versus Dispersive Interactions

Abstract: Four-component nanorotors are prepared by the self-assembly of stator [Cu4(4)]4+ with its four copper(I)-loaded phenanthroline stations and various rotators carrying one, two, or three pyridine terminals The fourth component, 1,4-diazabicyclo[222]octane, serves as a connecting axle between rotator and stator Capitalizing on the heteroleptic pyridyl and phenanthroline metal complexes concept, the rotator’s pyridine terminals are connected to the copper(I)-loaded phenanthroline stations (Npy → [Cu(phen)]+) in the STOP state and disconnected in the transition state of rotation As the barrier of the thermally activated rotation, measured by variable-temperature 1H NMR, is mainly governed by attractive forces between stator stations and rotator terminals, it increases along the series Ea (monopyridine rotator) < Ea (dipyridine rotator) < Ea (tripyridine rotator) However, there are even distinct differences in rate between rotors with equal number of rotator terminals The change from the 5,10-dipyridyl (

Reversible Multicomponent AND Gate Triggered by Stoichiometric Chemical Pulses Commands the Self-Assembly and Actuation of Catalytic Machinery.

Abstract: The present work demonstrates the operation of a reversible supramolecular gate, i.e., an ensemble of various components linked by chemical communication, which is triggered by stoichiometric chemi...

Reversible Interconversion of a Static Metallosupramolecular Cage Assembly into a High-Speed Rotor: Stepless Adjustment of Rotational Exchange by Nucleophile Addition.

Abstract: The self-assembled cage ROT-1 was prepared from the pyridine-terminated rotator 1, the phenanthroline-appended stator 2, DABCO, and copper(I) ions in a ratio of 1:1:1:4. This four-component assembl...

Controlling a chemical coupling reaction on a surface: tools and strategies for on-surface synthesis

Abstract: On-surface synthesis is appearing as an extremely promising research field aimed at creating new organic materials. A large number of chemical reactions have been successfully demonstrated to take place directly on surfaces through unusual reaction mechanisms. In some cases the reaction conditions can be properly tuned to steer the formation of the reaction products. It is thus possible to control the initiation step of the reaction and its degree of advancement (the kinetics, the reaction yield); the nature of the reaction products (selectivity control, particularly in the case of competing processes); as well as the structure, position, and orientation of the covalent compounds, or the quality of the as-formed networks in terms of order and extension. The aim of our review is thus to provide an extensive description of all tools and strategies reported to date and to put them into perspective. We specifically define the different approaches available and group them into a few general categories. In the last part, we demonstrate the effective maturation of the on-surface synthesis field by reporting systems that are getting closer to application-relevant levels thanks to the use of advanced control strategies.

The Future of Molecular Machines.

Abstract: Artificial molecular machines have captured the imagination of scientists and nonscientists alike for decades now, given their clear potential to transform and enhance all aspects of human life. In this Outlook, I use a bicycle as an analogy to explain what a molecular machine is, in my opinion, and work through a representative selection of case studies to specify the significant accomplishments made to date, and the obstacles that currently stand between these and the field's fulfillment of its great potential. The hope of this intentionally sober account is to sketch a path toward a rich and exciting research trajectory that might challenge current practitioners and attract junior scientists into its fold. Considering the progress we have witnessed in the past decade, I am positive that the future of the field is a rosy one.

(Nano)mechanical Motion Triggered by Metal Coordination: from Functional Devices to Networked Multicomponent Catalytic Machinery

Abstract: A look at the elegance and efficiency of biological machines readily reveals that Nature masters the full gamut of chemical interactions to compose masterpieces of the living world. The present analysis singles out metal coordination for the actuation of nanomechanical motion. According to our analysis, metal coordination has a manifold of rewards, putting it primo loco in opportunities for putting nanomechanical systems into action: (i) its strength and dynamics can be properly modulated and fine-tuned by the choice of metal, redox state, and ligand(s), (ii) the high directionality of the interaction allows reliable design, and (iii) the emergence of novel self-sorting algorithms allows multiple of these interactions to be working in parallel. On top of all these advantages, intermolecular metal-ion translocation is a well-known factor in biological signaling. These benefits have recently proven their usefulness in the operation of networked devices and in overcoming the limitations of traditional stand-alone molecular systems.

New horizons for catalysis disclosed by supramolecular chemistry

Abstract: The adoption of a supramolecular approach in catalysis promises to address a number of unmet challenges, ranging from activity (unlocking of novel reaction pathways) to selectivity (alteration of the innate selectivity of a reaction, e.g. selective functionalization of C-H bonds) and regulation (switch ON/OFF, sequential catalysis, etc.). Supramolecular tools such as reversible association and recognition, pre-organization of reactants and stabilization of transition states upon binding offer a unique chance to achieve the above goals disclosing new horizons whose potential is being increasingly recognized and used, sometimes reaching the degree of ripeness for practical use. This review summarizes the main developments that have opened such new frontiers, with the aim of providing a guide to researchers approaching the field. We focus on artificial supramolecular catalysts of defined stoichiometry which, under homogeneous conditions, unlock outcomes that are highly difficult if not impossible to attain otherwise, namely unnatural reactivity or selectivity and catalysis regulation. The different strategies recently explored in supramolecular catalysis are concisely presented, and, for each one, a single or very few examples is/are described (mainly last 10 years, with only milestone older works discussed). The subject is divided into four sections in light of the key design principle: (i) nanoconfinement of reactants, (ii) recognition-driven catalysis, (iii) catalysis regulation by molecular machines and (iv) processive catalysis.

Towards artificial molecular factories from framework-embedded molecular machines

Abstract: Controlling cooperativity, synchronization, amplification and translation of intermolecular and intramolecular dynamics over different length scales for applications in stimuli-responsive robust solids are considered key challenges in materials sciences In this Perspective, we discuss the possibility of embedding artificial molecular machines into heterogeneous robust frameworks with the goal of creating cooperatively working molecular factories We describe the current progress in the design, synthesis and functioning of artificial molecular machines and outline current efforts organizing them in ordered assemblies and frameworks On the basis of this discussion, design principles are given towards collectively working systems in which both the machine and the framework are active components We further explore potential functionalities and applications of these systems, and discuss challenges and prospects for the future This Perspective discusses the prospects of assembling multiple molecular machines within ordered frameworks, with the goal of producing artificial molecular factories in which molecular motions are coupled, synchronized and amplified across multiple length scales, leading to robust and stimuli-responsive solids