Molecular Machine Components Observed in the Gas Phase: Self- Assembling Pseudorotaxanes of Cucurbit[n]urils (n=6, 7, and 8) and Doubly-Protonated 1,4-Diaminobutane

Authors

Kevin Alan Walker, Brigham Young University
Dr. David Dearden, Brigham Young University

Keywords

molecular machine components, gas phase, pseudorotaxanes, doubly-protonated, diaminobutane

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers the potential of creating machines the size of molecules. Such machines have limitless possibilities in numerous fields: chemistry, computer science, technology, and medicine, to name a few. Molecular machines could be instrumental in creating computers millions of times faster than our present computers. These machines could catalyze or inhibit a variety of chemical reactions. Such machines could be instrumental in altering and fixing an individual’s genetic makeup to successfully combat disease and illness. However, because nanotechnology is a relatively new field of study, science has yet to scratch the surface of the implications molecular machines may have in the future. Dr. David Dearden’s research group is currently utilizing molecular studies performed in the gas phase to better understand molecular machine components and probe the fundamental processes behind the working of these devices. As a member of Dr. Dearden’s research group, I exclusively focused on the ability of cucurbiturils to form molecular machine components, specifically pseudorotaxanes.

Recommended Citation

Walker, Kevin Alan and Dearden, Dr. David (2014) "Molecular Machine Components Observed in the Gas Phase: Self- Assembling Pseudorotaxanes of Cucurbit[n]urils (n=6, 7, and 8) and Doubly-Protonated 1,4-Diaminobutane," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1134.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1134