Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Ken D. Shimizu
Abstract
This thesis presents the development and application of molecular instruments to quantify weak noncovalent interactions (NCIs) and measure the reactivity of electrophiles. Chapter 1 introduces the advantages of molecular devices over traditional approaches for studying NCIs and deriving empirical parameters, showcasing diverse molecular systems designed to measure NCIs, establish reactivity scales, function as fluorescent sensors, and validate theoretical predictions. Chapter 2 focuses on using a molecular rotor to develop an electrophilicity parameter that predicts the reactivity of electrophiles in key organic reactions, including Michael addition, SN2, SNAr, and cross-coupling oxidative addition reactions. Chapter 3 explores a series of N-phenylimide molecular balances to quantify weak solvophobic interactions in organic solvents, evaluating the influence of polar and nonpolar surfaces and their sizes on interaction strength. Finally, Chapter 4 introduces a new class of N-phenylimide molecular balances designed to investigate London dispersion forces (LDFs) and assess the role of organic solvents in modulating these interactions. Thus, this work provides innovative tools for studying fundamental molecular interactions and reactivity, advancing our understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and noncovalent forces in diverse chemical environments.
Rights
© 2025, Hao Liu
Recommended Citation
Liu, H.(2025). Exploring Electrophilicity and Noncovalent Interactions Through Molecular Instruments. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8361