Physical Organic Chemistry
The Physical Organic Chemistry team make molecules with specific purposes, then unlocks their potential through in-depth studies of their properties and interactions.
The School of Chemistry has scientific research team in Physical Organic Chemistry, with a wide variety of research techniques and topics being studied. The team’s mission is to make molecules for a purpose and then study their physical properties in line with the required use of the new compounds. Underpinning this breadth of applications is the detailed, quantitative understanding of the fundamental properties and reactions and interactions of organic molecules.
The topics being investigated in Physical Organic Chemistry are diverse, including the development of
- new methods for catalysing reactions
- better understanding of organic reactions in aqueous solutions and in biological systems
- biosensors and directed assembly of functional multicomponent systems
- equipment and machine-learning code for automated reactivity studies
- biophysical assays to test potential new pharmaceuticals.
The techniques used in the research are as widely varying as the topics being studied. In the laboratory, research may involve using combinations of:
- organic synthesis and characterisation using, e.g., 1H-NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and HPLC.
- biophysical studies using, e.g., isothermal titration calorimetry, UV-visible and circular dichroism spectroscopy, creoptix wave, switchSense heliX+
- studies of reaction kinetics using, e.g., UV-visible, circular dichroism or 1H-NMR spectroscopy or HPLC
- equipment development, e.g., development of computer-controlled custom pumps and visible light detectors.
Distinctive features
Laboratory work is often complemented by work on:
- numerical analysis of complex kinetic or biophysical data
- development of data analysis software
- developing machine-learning code to control automated equipment
Because our projects often cover several areas, we know that everyone joining the team will require further training. MPhil and PhD students involved in this work can expect to receive this broad and interdisciplinary training and develop skills in
- synthesis of novel organic and/or biological molecules
- physical and biophysical analysis methods
- quantitative measurements and data analysis techniques
- analytical chemistry techniques
- python coding
- interdisciplinary communication
The Physical Organic Chemistry group has strong interdisciplinary collaborations in the UK and abroad. These include project links with colleagues in the School of Chemistry, with collaborators in the School of Pharmacy, the School of Dentistry and the School of Engineering but also with research groups in the rest of the UK, in the EU, the Middle East, and Japan.
Research in physical organic chemistry offers a unique combination of physical and synthetic organic chemistry, often in combination with applied mathematics for data analysis. Our academics can create bespoke research projects developing the interests and skills of both the supervisors and the PGR applicant. We would encourage you to reach out to us to discuss this further.
Contacts
Administrative contact(s)
Dr Ben Ward
Administrative contact
The Physical Organic Chemistry Centre is housed in state-of-the-art laboratories (built in 2007) within the School of Chemistry. The topics being investigated are extremely wide ranging, stretching from the development of new methods for catalysing reactions, through the development of better understanding of organic reactions in aqueous solutions, to the development of biosensors and the directed assembly of functional multicomponent systems. Underpinning this breadth of applications is the detailed, quantitative understanding of the fundamental properties and reactions and interactions of organic molecules.
The techniques used in the research are as widely varying as the topics being studied. Theoretical methods include electronic structure theory, molecular dynamics simulations, integration of complex kinetic equations, and development of data analysis software. In the laboratory, the research may involve organic synthesis, biophysical studies (including for example titration calorimetry, UV-visible, circular dichroism, infrared and NMR spectroscopy) and HPLC. MPhil and PhD students involved in this work can expect to receive a broad and interdisciplinary training that is highly marketable in a wide variety of chemistry-related careers.
Available research specialisations within this area:
- Fundamental studies of kinetics and dynamics of organic reactions
- Design and synthesis of sequence-specific DNA biosensors
- Study of reaction mechanisms of homogeneous catalysts
- Directed assembly of functional multicomponent nanostructures
- Racemisation of drug-like chiral centres
- Mechanistic studies of nanoparticle catalysis
Training in physical organic chemistry equips students with skills that cross traditional boundaries, and consequently make them highly employable. Past students working with the staff have gone on to jobs in academia, in pharmaceutical companies, chemical companies, electronics companies, and teaching among many others.
Funding
You can search our studentships or find out more about funding.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
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Students from the rest of the world (international)
Programme information
For programme structure, entry requirements and how to apply, visit the Chemistry programme.
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