1
Luis Avila
avila@chem.columbia.edu
Room,Chandler 455
Phone #,(212)854-8587
2
What is Chemistry?What Does a Chemist Do?
Studies the atomic composition and structural features of
substances.
Investigates the varied interactions among substances
Utilizes natural substances and creates artificial ones.
Comprehends the complex chemistry of living organisms.
Provides a molecular interpretation of health and disease.
“Take white lead,one part,and any glass
you choose,two parts,fuse together in a
crucible and then pour the mixture,To
this crystal add the urine of an ass and
after forty days you will find emeralds”
Stillman,J,M,The story of Alchemy and Early Modern Chemistry;
Dover,New York 1960,p,160.
3
Main Divisions of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
(Chemical Engineering
and Applied Chemistry)
Biochemistry
How Does She/He do it?
Materials Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
4
What is Organic Chemistry?
Physical Organic Chemistry
Largest area of specialization among the various fields of chemistry
Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pulp and Paper Chemistry
Dye and Textile Chemistry
Formulation Chemistry (paint,food,petroleum products,adhesives,etc.)
Agricultural Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Correlates the physical and chemical properties of
compounds with their structural features.
5
We are interested in the
multistep synthesis of
natural products,as well
as the development of new
methodology,particularly
to address problems of
regio- or stereocontrol,At
present (1999),we are
working on problems
suggested by structures
such as those of germine,
taxol,cardenolides and
codeine
Synthetic Organic Chemist,
Professor Gilbert Stork
6
2-acetylnerifolin (class Cardenolide)
Natural Product with Antitumor Activity
Taxol
Natural Product with Antitumor Activity
7
Among our areas of current interest
in the anticancer field are
epothilone and eleutherobin,While
structurally diverse,these two
compounds seem to function by a
taxol-like mechanism in their ability
to inhibit microtubule disassembly.
Several projects are addressed to
goal systems with immunochemical
implications,Here we are
particularly concerned with the
construction of a carbohydrate-
based tumor antigen vaccine.
Synthetic Organic Chemist /
Bioorganic Chemist,
Professor Samuel Danishefsky
8
In most cases this involves
investigating the interaction
of small molecules with their
biopolymeric receptors,The
recent dramatic advancement
in isolation,purification and
microspectroscopic methods
has made it possible for
chemists to become involved
in such studies on a
molecular structural basis
Natural Products Chemist,
Professor Koji Nakanishi
We deal with structural aspects of bioactive compounds
and elucidation of their mode of action.
9
We view the photon as a reagent for initiating photoreactions and as
a product of the deactivation of electronically excited molecules.
Physical Organic Chemist / Photochemist
Material Chemist:
Professor Nicholas Turro
Our group is developing a novel field
termed "supramolecular"
photochemistry,or photochemistry
beyond the conventional intellectual and
scientific constraints implied by the term
"molecule",In supramolecular
processes non-covalent bonds between
molecules play a role analogous to that
of covalent bonds between atoms,
10
What is Inorganic Chemistry?
Deals with the properties of elements ranging from metals
to non metals
Organometallic Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Ceramics and Glass
Semiconductors
11
Organometallic Chemist / X-ray Spectroscopist:
Professor Gerard Parkin
One of our interests is concerned
with compounds with metal-ligand
multiple bonds,which are species
of considerable current interest in
terms of both their bonding and
reactivity.
We have a continuing interest in exploring unusual artifacts
resulting from X-ray diffraction experiments (e.g,"bond
stretch" isomerism)
12
Bio-organic Chemist,
Professor Ronald Breslow
In our major effort we are trying to prepare artificial enzymes
that can imitate the function of natural enzymes.
A related study involves the
synthesis of mimics of
antibodies or of biological
receptor sites,constructing
molecules that will bind to
polypeptides with sequence
selectivity in water,using
mainly hydrophobic
interactions,These could
be very useful in modulating
the activity of peptide
hormones,for instance.
13
Measures,correlates,and explains the quantitative aspects of chemical
processes
What is Physical Chemistry?
Theoretical Chemistry
Devoted to Quantum and Statistical Mechanics,
Theoretical chemists use computers to help them solve complicated
mathematical equations that simulate specific chemical processes.
Chemical Thermodynamics
Deals with the relationship between heat,work,temperature,
and energy of Chemical systems.
Chemical Kinetics
Seeks to measure and understand the rates of chemical
reactions.
14
Physical Chemistry
Electrochemistry
Investigates the interrelationship between electric current and chemical change.
Photochemistry,Spectroscopy
Uses radiation energy to probe and induce change within matter.
Surface Chemistry
Examines the properties of chemical surfaces,using instruments that can
provide a chemical profile of such surfaces.
15
My research is concerned with structural and dynamic
processes in condensed phase systems and biomacromolecular
systems.
Theoretical Chemist,Professor Bruce Berne
Because the systems studied are
often complex many-body
systems,it is necessary to utilize
the powerful analytical methods
of statistical mechanics as well as
state-of-the-art methods of
computer simulation involving
molecular dynamics and Monte
Carlo techniques.
16
My research is materials,
surfaces and nanocrystals,
especially in relation to
optical and electronic
properties,This work can
include theoretical
modeling,experimental
chemical physics,and
synthetic chemistry,We try
to understand the evolution
of solid state properties from
molecular properties,and to
create new materials with
nanoscale structure by both
kinetic and thermodynamic
self-assembly methods.
Materials Chemist,
Professor Louis Brus
17
Our research program involves the
design,synthesis,and detailed
physical investigation of novel
molecular and nanoparticle materials
which display unique self-organized
hierarchical structures and specific
optical,electronic,and/or magnetic
properties,Emphasis is placed on
materials with potential applications
in light-emitting devices,optical
memory devices,molecular level and
single particle level switching devices,
and chemosensory devices,Our
research is necessarily
interdisciplinary where students and
post-doctoral researchers are exposed
to modern aspects of inorganic,
physical,and materials chemistry.
Materials Chemist /
Near Field Microscopist
Professor David Adams
18
We investigate molecular
collisions that lead either to
chemical reaction or to the
exchange of energy between
molecules,In particular,we
have developed the infrared
diode laser absorption probe
technique to investigate
collisions between molecules.
Experimental Physical Chemist / Surface Chemist
Professor George Flynn
We also study the structure of molecules
adsorbed on surfaces by using the
Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM).
19
What is Analytical Chemistry?
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS deals with the detection of elements or compounds
(analytes) in different materials.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS refers to the measurement of the actual amounts of
the analyte present in the material investigated.
Chemical and Biochemical Methods
Gravimetry
Titrimetric Analysis
Enzymic Analysis
Inmunochemical Analysis
20
Analytical Chemistry
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Vibrational Spectroscopy (IR,RAMAN)
X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XPS)
Electronic Spectroscopy (UV,VIS,Luminiscence)
Atomic Spectroscopy (AA,ICP)
Rotational Spectroscopy (Microwave,FIR)
Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopic Methods
21
Analytical Chemistry
Chromatographic Methods (Partition equilibrium)
Gas Chromatography (GC)
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Ion Chromatography
22
Analytical Chemistry
Electrogravimetry
Electrophoresis
Conductimetry,Potentiometry
Polarography
Voltammetry
Electrochemical Methods
Thermal Methods
Thermogravimetry (TG)
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Thermomechanic Analysis (TMA)
23
We study enzyme mechanisms using NMR,A variety of experiments
allow us to probe structural details,dynamics or chemical details such
as protonation states.
Biophysical Chemist / NMR Spectroscopist:
Professor Ann McDermott
In photosynthetic reaction
centers,light energy is
converted to chemical
potential energy through
long-range electron transfer
events,A wealth of
crystallographic,mutagenic,
and spectroscopic work on
these centers still leaves
important mechanistic
questions unanswered.
24
Molecular Biologist / Organic Chemist:
Professor Virginia Cornish
This research is interdisciplinary,
bringing together the techniques
of small-molecule synthesis,
molecular and cellular biology,
computer modeling,and
mechanistic enzymology and
structural biology,The need for
efficient catalysts is fundamental,
Biological catalysts drive cellular
processes,and the chemical
industry relies on catalysts for the
synthesis of compounds ranging
from pharmaceuticals to
materials.
Our research interests center on the development of selection
strategies for identifying enzymes from large pools of proteins.
25
The Tools of the Trade
Periodic Table of the Elements
Ag
Na
Li
Fr
Cs
Rb
K
Be
Ca
Mg
Ra
Ba
Sr
Sc
La
Y
Ac
Ti
Hf
Zr
Rf
V
Ta
Nb
Ha
Cr
W
Mo
Sg
Mn
Re
Tc
Bh
Fe
Os
Ru
Hs
Co
Ir
Rh
Mt
Ni
Pt
Pd
Cu
Au
Zn
Hg
Cd
Ga
Al
Tl
In
Pb
Sn
Bi Po
B
Ge
Si
As
Sb Te
At
H
C N
P
O
Se
S
F
Br
Cl
I
Ne
Kr
Ar
Rn
Xe
He
Ce
Th
Pr
Pa
Nd
U
Pm
Np
Sm
Pu
Eu
Am
Gd
Cm
Tb
Bk
Dy
Cf
Ho
Es
Er
Fm
Tmi
Md
Yb
No
Lu
Lr
47
11
3
87
55
37
19
4
20
12
88
56
38
21
57
39
89
22
72
40
104
23
73
41
105
24
74
42
106
25
75
43
107
26
76
44
108
27
77
45
109
28
78
46
29
79
30
80
48
31
13
8l
49
82
50
83 84
5
32
14
33
51 52
85
1
6 7
15
8
34
16
9
35
17
53
10
36
18
86
54
2
58
90
59
91
60
92
61
93
62
94
63
95
64
96
65
97
66
98
67
99
68
100
69
101
70
102
71
103
26
Interesting Applications
The KSC-ALS Breadboard Project
Humans take in oxygen,food and water,and expel carbon
dioxide and organic waste,Plants utilize carbon dioxide,
produce food,release oxygen,and purify water,Inedible plant
material and human waste are degraded by microorganisms to
recycle nutrients for plants in a process termed resource
recovery.
27
produce food
purify their water supply and
create oxygen from the carbon dioxide they expel,
When humans establish permanent bases on the Lunar surface or
travel to Space for exploration,they need to develop systems to:
Physico-chemical processes can perform the two latter tasks,
but only biological processes can perform all three.
28
A life support system that would perform these regenerative
functions,whether strictly by biological means or by a
combination of biological and physical-chemical methods,has
been called a Controlled Ecological Life Support System
(CELSS),
Biological systems utilize plants and microorganisms
to perform these life support tasks in a process termed
bioregeneration.
29
A CELSS is a tightly controlled system,using crops to perform life
support functions,under the restrictions of minimizing volume,
mass,energy,and labor.
30
A career alternative for chemists,a multidisciplinary arena to
prove the role of Chemistry as a "central science".
Luis Avila
avila@chem.columbia.edu
Room,Chandler 455
Phone #,(212)854-8587
2
What is Chemistry?What Does a Chemist Do?
Studies the atomic composition and structural features of
substances.
Investigates the varied interactions among substances
Utilizes natural substances and creates artificial ones.
Comprehends the complex chemistry of living organisms.
Provides a molecular interpretation of health and disease.
“Take white lead,one part,and any glass
you choose,two parts,fuse together in a
crucible and then pour the mixture,To
this crystal add the urine of an ass and
after forty days you will find emeralds”
Stillman,J,M,The story of Alchemy and Early Modern Chemistry;
Dover,New York 1960,p,160.
3
Main Divisions of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
(Chemical Engineering
and Applied Chemistry)
Biochemistry
How Does She/He do it?
Materials Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
4
What is Organic Chemistry?
Physical Organic Chemistry
Largest area of specialization among the various fields of chemistry
Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pulp and Paper Chemistry
Dye and Textile Chemistry
Formulation Chemistry (paint,food,petroleum products,adhesives,etc.)
Agricultural Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Correlates the physical and chemical properties of
compounds with their structural features.
5
We are interested in the
multistep synthesis of
natural products,as well
as the development of new
methodology,particularly
to address problems of
regio- or stereocontrol,At
present (1999),we are
working on problems
suggested by structures
such as those of germine,
taxol,cardenolides and
codeine
Synthetic Organic Chemist,
Professor Gilbert Stork
6
2-acetylnerifolin (class Cardenolide)
Natural Product with Antitumor Activity
Taxol
Natural Product with Antitumor Activity
7
Among our areas of current interest
in the anticancer field are
epothilone and eleutherobin,While
structurally diverse,these two
compounds seem to function by a
taxol-like mechanism in their ability
to inhibit microtubule disassembly.
Several projects are addressed to
goal systems with immunochemical
implications,Here we are
particularly concerned with the
construction of a carbohydrate-
based tumor antigen vaccine.
Synthetic Organic Chemist /
Bioorganic Chemist,
Professor Samuel Danishefsky
8
In most cases this involves
investigating the interaction
of small molecules with their
biopolymeric receptors,The
recent dramatic advancement
in isolation,purification and
microspectroscopic methods
has made it possible for
chemists to become involved
in such studies on a
molecular structural basis
Natural Products Chemist,
Professor Koji Nakanishi
We deal with structural aspects of bioactive compounds
and elucidation of their mode of action.
9
We view the photon as a reagent for initiating photoreactions and as
a product of the deactivation of electronically excited molecules.
Physical Organic Chemist / Photochemist
Material Chemist:
Professor Nicholas Turro
Our group is developing a novel field
termed "supramolecular"
photochemistry,or photochemistry
beyond the conventional intellectual and
scientific constraints implied by the term
"molecule",In supramolecular
processes non-covalent bonds between
molecules play a role analogous to that
of covalent bonds between atoms,
10
What is Inorganic Chemistry?
Deals with the properties of elements ranging from metals
to non metals
Organometallic Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Ceramics and Glass
Semiconductors
11
Organometallic Chemist / X-ray Spectroscopist:
Professor Gerard Parkin
One of our interests is concerned
with compounds with metal-ligand
multiple bonds,which are species
of considerable current interest in
terms of both their bonding and
reactivity.
We have a continuing interest in exploring unusual artifacts
resulting from X-ray diffraction experiments (e.g,"bond
stretch" isomerism)
12
Bio-organic Chemist,
Professor Ronald Breslow
In our major effort we are trying to prepare artificial enzymes
that can imitate the function of natural enzymes.
A related study involves the
synthesis of mimics of
antibodies or of biological
receptor sites,constructing
molecules that will bind to
polypeptides with sequence
selectivity in water,using
mainly hydrophobic
interactions,These could
be very useful in modulating
the activity of peptide
hormones,for instance.
13
Measures,correlates,and explains the quantitative aspects of chemical
processes
What is Physical Chemistry?
Theoretical Chemistry
Devoted to Quantum and Statistical Mechanics,
Theoretical chemists use computers to help them solve complicated
mathematical equations that simulate specific chemical processes.
Chemical Thermodynamics
Deals with the relationship between heat,work,temperature,
and energy of Chemical systems.
Chemical Kinetics
Seeks to measure and understand the rates of chemical
reactions.
14
Physical Chemistry
Electrochemistry
Investigates the interrelationship between electric current and chemical change.
Photochemistry,Spectroscopy
Uses radiation energy to probe and induce change within matter.
Surface Chemistry
Examines the properties of chemical surfaces,using instruments that can
provide a chemical profile of such surfaces.
15
My research is concerned with structural and dynamic
processes in condensed phase systems and biomacromolecular
systems.
Theoretical Chemist,Professor Bruce Berne
Because the systems studied are
often complex many-body
systems,it is necessary to utilize
the powerful analytical methods
of statistical mechanics as well as
state-of-the-art methods of
computer simulation involving
molecular dynamics and Monte
Carlo techniques.
16
My research is materials,
surfaces and nanocrystals,
especially in relation to
optical and electronic
properties,This work can
include theoretical
modeling,experimental
chemical physics,and
synthetic chemistry,We try
to understand the evolution
of solid state properties from
molecular properties,and to
create new materials with
nanoscale structure by both
kinetic and thermodynamic
self-assembly methods.
Materials Chemist,
Professor Louis Brus
17
Our research program involves the
design,synthesis,and detailed
physical investigation of novel
molecular and nanoparticle materials
which display unique self-organized
hierarchical structures and specific
optical,electronic,and/or magnetic
properties,Emphasis is placed on
materials with potential applications
in light-emitting devices,optical
memory devices,molecular level and
single particle level switching devices,
and chemosensory devices,Our
research is necessarily
interdisciplinary where students and
post-doctoral researchers are exposed
to modern aspects of inorganic,
physical,and materials chemistry.
Materials Chemist /
Near Field Microscopist
Professor David Adams
18
We investigate molecular
collisions that lead either to
chemical reaction or to the
exchange of energy between
molecules,In particular,we
have developed the infrared
diode laser absorption probe
technique to investigate
collisions between molecules.
Experimental Physical Chemist / Surface Chemist
Professor George Flynn
We also study the structure of molecules
adsorbed on surfaces by using the
Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM).
19
What is Analytical Chemistry?
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS deals with the detection of elements or compounds
(analytes) in different materials.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS refers to the measurement of the actual amounts of
the analyte present in the material investigated.
Chemical and Biochemical Methods
Gravimetry
Titrimetric Analysis
Enzymic Analysis
Inmunochemical Analysis
20
Analytical Chemistry
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Electron Spin Resonance (ESR)
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Vibrational Spectroscopy (IR,RAMAN)
X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XPS)
Electronic Spectroscopy (UV,VIS,Luminiscence)
Atomic Spectroscopy (AA,ICP)
Rotational Spectroscopy (Microwave,FIR)
Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopic Methods
21
Analytical Chemistry
Chromatographic Methods (Partition equilibrium)
Gas Chromatography (GC)
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Ion Chromatography
22
Analytical Chemistry
Electrogravimetry
Electrophoresis
Conductimetry,Potentiometry
Polarography
Voltammetry
Electrochemical Methods
Thermal Methods
Thermogravimetry (TG)
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Thermomechanic Analysis (TMA)
23
We study enzyme mechanisms using NMR,A variety of experiments
allow us to probe structural details,dynamics or chemical details such
as protonation states.
Biophysical Chemist / NMR Spectroscopist:
Professor Ann McDermott
In photosynthetic reaction
centers,light energy is
converted to chemical
potential energy through
long-range electron transfer
events,A wealth of
crystallographic,mutagenic,
and spectroscopic work on
these centers still leaves
important mechanistic
questions unanswered.
24
Molecular Biologist / Organic Chemist:
Professor Virginia Cornish
This research is interdisciplinary,
bringing together the techniques
of small-molecule synthesis,
molecular and cellular biology,
computer modeling,and
mechanistic enzymology and
structural biology,The need for
efficient catalysts is fundamental,
Biological catalysts drive cellular
processes,and the chemical
industry relies on catalysts for the
synthesis of compounds ranging
from pharmaceuticals to
materials.
Our research interests center on the development of selection
strategies for identifying enzymes from large pools of proteins.
25
The Tools of the Trade
Periodic Table of the Elements
Ag
Na
Li
Fr
Cs
Rb
K
Be
Ca
Mg
Ra
Ba
Sr
Sc
La
Y
Ac
Ti
Hf
Zr
Rf
V
Ta
Nb
Ha
Cr
W
Mo
Sg
Mn
Re
Tc
Bh
Fe
Os
Ru
Hs
Co
Ir
Rh
Mt
Ni
Pt
Pd
Cu
Au
Zn
Hg
Cd
Ga
Al
Tl
In
Pb
Sn
Bi Po
B
Ge
Si
As
Sb Te
At
H
C N
P
O
Se
S
F
Br
Cl
I
Ne
Kr
Ar
Rn
Xe
He
Ce
Th
Pr
Pa
Nd
U
Pm
Np
Sm
Pu
Eu
Am
Gd
Cm
Tb
Bk
Dy
Cf
Ho
Es
Er
Fm
Tmi
Md
Yb
No
Lu
Lr
47
11
3
87
55
37
19
4
20
12
88
56
38
21
57
39
89
22
72
40
104
23
73
41
105
24
74
42
106
25
75
43
107
26
76
44
108
27
77
45
109
28
78
46
29
79
30
80
48
31
13
8l
49
82
50
83 84
5
32
14
33
51 52
85
1
6 7
15
8
34
16
9
35
17
53
10
36
18
86
54
2
58
90
59
91
60
92
61
93
62
94
63
95
64
96
65
97
66
98
67
99
68
100
69
101
70
102
71
103
26
Interesting Applications
The KSC-ALS Breadboard Project
Humans take in oxygen,food and water,and expel carbon
dioxide and organic waste,Plants utilize carbon dioxide,
produce food,release oxygen,and purify water,Inedible plant
material and human waste are degraded by microorganisms to
recycle nutrients for plants in a process termed resource
recovery.
27
produce food
purify their water supply and
create oxygen from the carbon dioxide they expel,
When humans establish permanent bases on the Lunar surface or
travel to Space for exploration,they need to develop systems to:
Physico-chemical processes can perform the two latter tasks,
but only biological processes can perform all three.
28
A life support system that would perform these regenerative
functions,whether strictly by biological means or by a
combination of biological and physical-chemical methods,has
been called a Controlled Ecological Life Support System
(CELSS),
Biological systems utilize plants and microorganisms
to perform these life support tasks in a process termed
bioregeneration.
29
A CELSS is a tightly controlled system,using crops to perform life
support functions,under the restrictions of minimizing volume,
mass,energy,and labor.
30
A career alternative for chemists,a multidisciplinary arena to
prove the role of Chemistry as a "central science".