Description du sujet de thèse

The aim of this thesis, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), is to synthesize fluorescent molecules (fluorophores) consisting of pyridine-, pyrimidine- or quinoline-derived nitrogen heterocycles coupled to fluorescent probes displaying an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process.

ESIPT is a highly versatile and stimulable photophysical process, which can lead to a particularly wide range of fluorescence colors and optical profiles. Due to the presence of one or more aza-heterocycles, the fluorescence properties of these new probes will be strongly perturbed by external stimuli such as protonation, but also coordination to metal cations like monovalent copper, Cu(I).

Indeed, these fluorophores could also be used as ditopic ligands, for coordination/decoordination to Cu(I) supramolecular scaffolds, in collaboration with the team of Drs. C. Lescop and G. Calvez (INSA Rennes), for the development of thermofluorochromic sensors.

The PhD student will be in charge of the multi-step organic synthesis and photophysical characterization (UV-Vis, Fluorescence) of several fluorophore families based on the ESIPT-spacer-azaheterocycle architecture. The most promising derivatives will be ditopically functionalized and tested as ligands in metallo-supramolecular assemblies, by the partners of the project.

This topic is in line with Dr. Julien Massue's research (UMR CNRS 7515/ICPEES) into the molecular engineering of emissive organic fluorophores in solution and in the solid state, with ESIPT processes that can be stimulated by their environment.

The candidate must have strong expertise in multi-step synthetic organic chemistry, particularly under an inert atmosphere (Schlenk techniques), purification by chromatography on a silica column, and 1H, 13C NMR characterization.
Experience in UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy is a plus but is not required.

Contexte de travail

Lab context
Research will be carried out at ICPEES (UMR CNRS 7515), located at the University of Strasbourg on the Cronenbourg campus, within the Organic Chemistry for Materials, Biology and Optics (COMBO) team, headed by Dr. Gilles Ulrich. This team, with 4 permanent staff and 6 PhD students, is internationally recognized in the field of organic fluorophores.

Project context
The ANR-funded project is part of a multidisciplinary scientific consortium at the frontier of synthetic chemistry, coordination chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Quarterly meetings between all project partners will be organized.

candidate profile
- Knowledge of multi-stage organic synthesis
- Knowledge of UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy
- Knowledge of bibliographic tools
- Interest in organic electronics
- Scientific curiosity, motivation for research
- Teamwork
- Independence in the laboratory
- Initiative-taking
- Good knowledge of English - scientific writing and oral presentation (indicate TOEIC level or equivalent)
- Multi-stage organic synthesis
- Purification on silica column
- Characterization and understanding of chemical analyses
- Bibliographic work

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.

Contraintes et risques

- Handling chemicals under fume hood
- Handling organic solvents under fume hood
- Handling pressurized inert gases (Argon, nitrogen)