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The Department of Chemistry has a
proud track-record of conducting world-class research and produces
an average of 50 peer-reviewed international publications annually.
Thirteen members of staff are rated by the National Research
Foundation as internationally recognised scientists.
MAIN
RESEARCH THRUSTS
In its Strategic Plan, the department
has affirmed the central
importance of the sub-disciplines of Inorganic, Organic and
Physical Chemistry, and their applications in synthesis and
analysis. These three themes constitutes the essential pillars of
the discipline of Chemistry. The department has consolidated and
strengthened its research activities into four main research
thrusts:
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Transition Metal Chemistry
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Biophysical and Structural Chemistry
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Supramolecular Chemistry
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Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry
These thrusts are underpinned by
interdisciplinary research and collaborative industry
partnerships.
Transition Metal Chemistry
Within this research thrust,
investigations are conducted into the design and synthesis of new
transition metal and organometallic compounds with application to
catalysis, medicines and materials.
Current research projects include the
synthesis of cyclopentadienyl metal compounds which catalyse the
oligomerisation and polymerisation of alkenes, and the preparation
of new organometallic anti-cancer and antimalarial agents. (AT
Hutton,
GS Smith)
Biophysical and Structural Chemistry
This thrust deals with the physical
and theoretical techniques used in the study of molecular
structure and interactions in solution. Researchers within this
thrust are leading experts in spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction and
computational methods
Examples of current research projects:
(T
Egan, GE
Jackson, KJ
Naidoo, N
Ravenscroft, AL
Rodgers)
Synthetic & Medicinal Chemistry
This thrust explains how the
sub-disciplines of synthetic organic and bio-inorganic chemistry
relate to the topic of disease in general and is aligned with
various bioscientific disciplines, including biotechnology and
drug development and has a strong cluster of research activities
in fields such as antiviral compounds, including those for HIV/
Aids, tropical diseases including malaria, tuberculosis as well as
arthritis.
(JR
Bull, MR
Caira, K
Chibale, T
Egan,
DW Gammon, R
Hunter, GE
Jackson, N
Ravenscroft
A.
Jardine )
Supramolecular Chemistry
This thrust focuses on the chemistry
of molecular assemblies and the intermolecular bond and is central
to:
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Separation of close isomers
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Manufacture of sensors
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Homogeneous and heterogeneous
catalysis
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Drug transport
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Preparation of
drug polymorphs
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Storage of volatile compounds
UCT Chemistry is one of very few
laboratories in the world that studies the physical chemistry of
supramolecular compounds. Specific projects within the research
thrust include the encapsulation of insoluble drugs to enhance
their bioavailability and the synthesis and characterization of
open framework structures for use as selective filters and
specific catalytic activity. (SA
Bourne, MR
Caira,
LR
Nassimbeni, CL Oliver)
In addition, research is also carried
out on aspects of Chemical Education - curriculum design, writing
and communication within the discipline. (B
Davidowitz)
Related links
Book Publication:
Contemporary Carbohydrate Chemistry by Prof Alistair Stephen
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