Title: Using Molecular Design to Influence Intermolecular Interactions
Description: This thesis describes the impact of molecular design on intermolecular interactions. Chapter 2 explores tuning the properties of contorted hexabenzocoronene (HBC) derivatives to improve photovoltaic performance. First, the interaction between contorted HBC derivatives with varying degrees of "bowl" character and fullerenes are explored in solution. Association constants were determined by fluorescence quenching experiments with fullerenes C70, C60, and Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). NMR titration experiments mimic fluorescence quenching results that suggest that association in solution increases with shape-complementarity between donor and acceptor. Second, efforts towards the synthesis of azulene HBC, an HBC derivative with red-shifted absorption, are discussed. Calculations of this target molecule and a selected intermediate are compared to those of the parent contorted HBC. Finally, an azulene HBC synthetic intermediate is explored as a potential sensor. Chapter 3 presents a study of the single molecule conductance of cobalt chalcogenide clusters.

The synthesis of cobalt chalcogenide clusters decorated with a variety of conjugated molecular connectors was developed. Single molecule conductance of these clusters was shown to take place through the molecular connectors, and was tunable by controlling the substitution of the connectors. The tunability of cluster conductance that was demonstrated in the single molecule experiments was shown to extend to thin film experiments in chapter 4. Preliminary investigation into the mechanism of conductance of these films is discussed. In chapter 5, a family of nickel telluride clusters with a variety of ligands is synthesized. The X-ray crystal structures of these clusters are analyzed and insight into how ligand sterics and electronics influence the final cluster structure is discussed.