Exploration of novel molecular photoswitches

Research activities in Kilian group are centred on the design and synthesis of novel organophosphorus and heavier Group 15 (As, Sb, Bi) organoelement compounds. We synthesize new compounds for various practical applications, such as molecular switches, or catalysis.

Our research has recently been directed towards a new class of molecular switches, which show reversible change of molecular geometry by the action of light.

In this project, you will synthesise new organo-element molecular materials capable of functioning as molecular switches and progress their utilisation in polymer chemistry and other applications.

The project will involve synthetic work under inert atmosphere, multinuclear NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Mechanistic studies supported by computations (in collaboration with computational chemists) will also be integral part of the project.

Students interested in undertaking a PhD in the Kilian group should register their interest as soon as possible. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Kilian (pk7@st-andrews.ac.uk). For more information on our chemistry see the group web pages at http://kiliangroup.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/

Please see https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/prospective/pgr/ for the application procedure, or email chem-pg@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information regarding PhD opportunities at St Andrews. We encourage applications for the NextGenTech Centre for Doctoral Training (https://nextgentech-cdt.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/) and from Chinese nationals through the St Andrews CSC Scheme (https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study-abroad/global-research/csc/). There are opportunities for self-funded PhD students to make use of the St Andrews Handsel Scheme to fund the difference between home and international fees.