We build metal-containing molecules whose structure and properties can be tuned by design

Cyclometalated molecules are metal complexes in which an organic ligand binds to a metal through both carbon and a donor atom, creating stable and highly tunable structures. We design new cyclometalated molecules that combine the rich properties of transition metals with the flexibility of organic synthesis. These systems allow us to explore how molecular structure controls color, emission, redox behavior, and self-assembly.

Related work: Miguel A. Soto* & Mark J. MacLachlan,* Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 431–441; Miguel A. Soto, Mohammad T. Chaudhry, Gunwant K. Matharu, Francesco Lelj & Mark J. MacLachlan,* Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202305525

Nanohoop engineering

We use metal centers to bend molecules into functional curved architectures

Molecular nanohoops are curved, ring-shaped molecules with unusual electronic and optical properties. Our group develops new ways to build these structures by incorporating metal centers directly into their backbones. By combining molecular curvature with the rich reactivity of transition metals, our goal is to create new materials with tunable shape, color, and function.

Mechanically interlocked molecules

We use molecular entanglement to control structure and motion

Mechanically interlocked molecules contain components that are connected not by traditional bonds, but by topology. We use these architectures to control molecular motion, stabilize unusual structures, and create systems where function emerges from restricted movement. These molecules provide a way to access chemical behavior that would be difficult or impossible in freely moving systems.

Related work: Gosuke Washino, Miguel A. Soto, Siad Wolff & Mark J. MacLachlan,* Commun. Chem. 2022, 5, 155; Miguel. A. Soto, Francesco Lelj & Mark J. MacLachlan,* Chem. Sci. 2019, 10, 10422–10427

Functional materials

We create materials that change their properties in response to their environment

Functional materials are designed to do more than simply occupy space: they can change color, emission, shape, or mechanical properties in response to their environment. We create molecular and hybrid materials that respond to light, redox chemistry, chemical signals, or changes in their surroundings. By combining molecular design with supramolecular interactions, our goal is to build materials that can sense, adapt, store information, or switch between different states.