Missions

Möbius rings are inherently chiral objects, mirror images being generated by twisting the Möbius band according to a right or a left screw sense. Compared to other sources of chirality, Möbius chirality has been scarcely investigated at the molecular level and thus constitutes an innovative stereogenic element. Currently, a major obstacle remains the asymmetric preparation of Möbius compounds. Focusing on a [28]hexaphyrin scaffold,[2] our group has investigated an original approach for chirality induction taking advantage of the dynamic character of the twisted π-system. Indeed, this conformationally flexible scaffold undergoes rapid P ↔ M equilibrium in solution, thus exhibiting a dynamic Möbius chirality. This feature enables transfer of chirality under thermodynamic control, useful to build up adaptive systems. Recently, we have investigated Möbius Zn(II)-hexaphyrins bearing various functionalities and demonstrated efficient and tunable P/M twist stereoselectivities, controlled by achiral effectors, which is unprecedented. The next challenge is to study the reverse process, i.e. chirality transfer from a Möbius ring to a substrate. More precisely, we aim at the achievement of a Möbius-hexaphyrin catalyst exhibiting stereoselective transformation/discrimination that, ultimately, will further be incorporated in a protein scaffold, leading to so-called Möbius Artificial Enzymes. This project will be tackled in strong collaboration with the team of Prof. Jean-Pierre Mahy at Paris-Saclay University.

Activités

The work of the post-doc researcher in Rennes will thus consist in the design and synthesis of Möbius hexaphyrins functionalized with chiral coordinating arms, reactive groups for bio-conjugation as well as water solubilizing groups. The complexation of zinc in bio-compatible media, targeting P/M twist chirality induction, will then be studied by NMR, UV-vis absorption and circular dichroism analysis. Optimized systems will be transfer into the next steps of the project.

Compétences

the candidate must own a PhD in chemistry, and must be trained to multistep organic synthesis and NMR analysis. An experience in the characterization in solution of dynamic macrocyclic compounds will be a plus.

Contexte de travail

research work will be conducted at the Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, in the team Organometallics: Materials and Catalysis, under the supervision of Dr. Stéphane Le Gac

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.