Complex molecules from simple starting materials using easy to run reactions
What is it about?
The structure of a complicated reaction product is characterized which shows how it forms an extensive three dimensional hydrogen bonded network. The molecule crystallizes with two different types of solvent molecules, two water molecules and two molecules of a solvent called acetonitrile. The waters are hydrogen bonded together, as well as to the main molecule.
Why is it important?
In living systems, complex molecules are the norm, not the exception. In a chemistry lab, the reverse is true. This work started as an effort to simplify the process of taking simple compounds off the shelf (or bought from suppliers at reasonable prices), and converting them into complicated structures, some of which could approach the complexity of molecules found in living systems, like proteins. The hope is that characterizing and understanding these molecules will help in the understanding of larger molecules found in living systems like proteins, DNA, and RNA.