Title: “Beauty of Synthetic Organic, Polymer, and Supramolecular Chemistry: Rotaxanes, Catenanes, Cyclophanes, Porous Organic Polymers & New Generation Catalysts ”
Speaker: Dr. M. Mustafa Cetin, Kadir Has University
Date: 03/12/2024, Tuesday
Time: 12:30 (Turkiye Time)
Place: SB-Z14
Abstract: Synthetic organic, polymer, and supramolecular chemistry offer unique structures with diverse applications, ranging from molecular machines to advanced materials. Rotaxanes and catenanes, two types of mechanically-interlocked molecules, showcase intricate topologies: a ring-shaped molecule threaded onto an axle or two interwoven rings. These structures enable molecular switches, sensors, and motors that mimic biological processes. Cyclophanes, featuring interconnected aromatic rings, have tunable properties for catalysis and host-guest chemistry. Porous organic polymers (POPs) with three-dimensional networks exhibit high surface areas and customizable pore sizes, making them useful in gas storage, catalysis, and environmental cleanup. POPs can serve as catalysts or molecular sieves in industrial processes, while rotaxanes and catenanes are key in drug delivery systems and self-healing materials. The design of new catalysts, inspired by supramolecular interactions, emphasizes precision in molecular architecture to improve efficiency and selectivity in chemical reactions. This combination of structural elegance and functionality advances both fundamental science and transformative applications in medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability.
Bio: Dr. M. Mustafa Cetin received his BSc degree as a high honor student (2005) in Chemistry from Karadeniz Technical University, and his MSc degree as a Fulbright Scholar (2008) from State University of New York (SUNY). After working as an appointed research adjunct at SUNY (2009-2011), he then moved to Texas for his PhD (2012), and received his PhD from Texas Tech University in Aug 2017. His research during his PhD was mostly focused on [2]rotaxane synthesis, polymer chemistry, catalysis, photo-redox chemistry, anti-cancer agents, and ionic liquids. Upon obtaining his degree, Dr. Cetin joined the Stoddart Mechanostereochemistry Group as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Sep 2017), where he worked on the design, creation and characterization of chemical compounds and materials for various end uses, e.g., catalysis, molecular electronics, energy harvesting and storage, and separations technology, with 2016 Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart at Northwestern University (NU). He also received training on IP and Patents and worked as a Technical Specialist at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox Law Firm. After returning to NU, Dr. Cetin joined Kadir Has University, first as a Visiting Professor (2020), and then as an Assistant Professor (2021). He worked as the fulltime faculty member, served as the Department Chair, Coordinator of MSN Program, and Vice Dean, and taught 6 grad and 11 undergrad courses until Oct 2024. Dr. Cetin currently leads the SOPR Lab, has 2 grad students and national/international/industrial funds for his research.