MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Is it possible to design molecules which change shapes?

Date: Mon Dec 7 16:05:17 1998
Posted By: Dan Berger, Faculty Chemistry/Science, Bluffton College
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 912329163.Ch
Message:

Is it possible to design molecules which change shapes?

I would like to know about the possibility of designing molecules which can change their shapes on coming in contact with some other molecule. This is similar to enzymes in our body. If this has been done already I pity my knowledge, but if not I think it will be a major breakthrough. Please don`t confuse this with the ongoing research on self-assembly systems.

With regards,
Tanuj Sapra


Dear Tanuj,

This is a mighty good question. I am not fully familiar with current developments in molecular recognition. I suggest that you spend some time with the indices of, say, Chemical Reviews and Accounts of Chemical Research.

I am also not sure I understand what you mean by molecules which can change their shapes on coming in contact with some other molecule. In one way, almost every molecule will do that. Molecules can have every degree of flexibility; as you know, norbornane is perfectly rigid while its isomer 1-heptyne is quite flexible.

norbornane 1-heptyne

However, I think what you are looking for is artificial molecules which behave like enzymes: the active sites change shape on coming in contact with their target substrate. This is an active area of research, but unfortunately, as I said, I can't supply you with more than the bare statement. Try the ACS Graduate School Finder.

  Dan Berger
  Bluffton College
  http://cs.bluffton.edu/~berger


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