How to control the inner motions of molecules: from photoswitches to molecular machines
Hemithioindigo (HTI) dyes are a class of emerging photoswitches [1] with many advantages compared to the most commonly used stilbenes, azobenzenes, or dithienylethenes. However, despite their high potential as versatile and efficient molecular triggering unit, they have been largely overlooked by material sciences as well as supramolecular and biological chemistry. In the recent years, we have explored the interesting photophysical properties of HTIs in depth and developed a thorough mechanistic understanding of their light induced motions and behavior in the excited state. [2] This brings us in the position to tailor unusual and useful property profiles, ie combinations of certain properties, by using strategic substitutions at the core structure of HTI. We use this fundamental knowledge to build next generation molecular machines [3] and responsive supramolecular systems [4] with unprecedented properties. Our main goal is to develop smart molecular entities, [5] which can conveniently be implemented into more complex architectures to manipulate matter at the molecular scale with the highest possible precision. Key issues that we address are a complete control over the mechanics of molecular motions and the interactions between different molecular entities using non-destructive visible light. [1] S. Wiedbrauk, H. Dube, Tetrahedron Lett. 2015, 56, 4266-4274.
[2] a) S. Wiedbrauk, B. Maerz, E. Samoylova, P. Mayer, W. Zinth, H. Dube, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2017; b) S. Wiedbrauk, B. Maerz, E. Samoylova, A. Reiner, F. Trommer, P. Mayer, W. Zinth, H. Dube, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 12219-12227; c) B. Maerz, S. Wiedbrauk, S. Oesterling, E. Samoylova, A. Nenov, P. Mayer, R. de Vivie-Riedle, W. Zinth, H. Dube, Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20 , 13984-13992.
[3] M. Guentner, M. Schildhauer, S. Thumser, P. Mayer, D. Stephenson, PJ Mayer, H. Dube, Nat. Commun. 2015, 6, 8406.
[4] M. Guentner, E. Uhl, P. Mayer, H. Dube, Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 16433-16436.
[5] F. Kink, MP Collado, S. Wiedbrauk, P. Mayer, H. Dube, Chem. Eur. J. 2017, 23, 6237-6243.
Curriculum Vitae of Dr. Henry Dube
Professional Experience and Education 09.2011 - present LMU Munich, Germany
Independent Research Group Leader 04/2008?09.2011 The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, USA
Postdoctoral Research with Prof. Dr. Julius Rebek 04.2004?03.2008 Dr. sc.ETH Zurich (April 10, 2008), ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Thesis with Prof. Dr. François Diederich
?Synthetic Models for Heme Proteins? 10.2000-03.2004 Diploma in Chemistry (04.03.2004), LMU Munich, Germany
Diploma Exam (very good)
Diploma Thesis with Prof. Dr. Paul Knochel, LMU-Munich
?Synthesis and Selective Functionalization of Chiral Propargylic Amines and their Use in the Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyrimidines? 10.1998-09.2000 Diploma in Chemistry, Philipps - University Marburg, Germany
Diploma Intermediate Exam (very good) Fellowships and Awards 2016 TCI Award for 3rd best Oral Presentation at the 25th Young Scientists Symposium Bioorganische Chemie 2016 2014?2019 Emmy Noether Fellowship of the German Research Foundation (DFG) 2012 Thieme Chemistry Journal Award 2012 2011 ?2014 Liebig Fellowship of the Foundation of the German Chemical Industry 2009?2011 Feodor Lynen Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 2008?2009 Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
