Our research aims to generate applied knowledge in the areas of organic chemistry, catalysis and materials science. We seek to generate scientific knowledge through originality and multidisciplinarity.
As specialists in Organic Chemistry we aim to bring our vision to the creation of molecular complexity, all geared towards sustainability and efficiency in coherence with sustainable development goals. Specifically, our study focuses on:
- The design of new functional materials and the development of alternative applications in catalysis and energy.
- The use of MOF/COV-type systems that can generate high-density functional interfaces resistant to extreme environments.
- The development of new synthetic pathways for obtaining molecular complexity through processes in line with green chemistry.
- The use of hydrogen self-transfer processes to activate diols and generate new structures.
- The development of new structures for photovoltaic systems.
- The development of original methodologies to access polyaromatic compounds from simple structures and with catalysis.
In our group we design and synthesize ligands derived from the triazole ring and sulfonamide-type ligands, with which coordination compounds with different metal ions of biological interest [Cu(II), Zn(II), Fe(II,III),...] are prepared. The compounds are structurally and spectroscopically characterised. In a second stage, the interaction of the obtained complexes with DNA is studied, and their nuclease activity is tested with and without activating agents.
In a new and current approach, the activity of the metallo-nucleases synthesised in combination with QDs (quantum dots) is studied, with the aim of achieving an enhancement and/or activation of their nucleolytic properties. The effect of photoactivation (with harmless light) on the compounds and on the nuclease-QDs systems is also investigated. Finally, the most active systems are tested in vivo on tumour cell lines. In parallel, the magnetic properties of the polynuclear compounds obtained are studied. In the case of cyclic trinuclear compounds, examples of spin-frustrated systems, a more exhaustive antisymmetric exchange study is carried out.
Structural and property studies of solid state molecular materials.
Research on unconventional interactions in organic and metal-organic molecular crystals (agostic interactions, weak hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, pnictogen, chalcogen and tetrel interactions, interactions in aromatic heterocyclics, pi interactions).
Studies on the influence of weak interactions on molecular conformation and supramolecular self-assembly in the solid state.
Design and description of new structural patterns of molecular recognition in crystalline species (supramolecular synthons, design and prediction of solid state behaviour).
Description and design of organometallic structures as potential catalysts in the activation of C-H and C-C bonds.
Description and design of metal-organic structures with potential magnetic properties based on structural patterns involving weak interactions.
