We are a Chemistry research group based at the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney. We combine synthesis, computational chemistry, programming, and spectroscopy to understand the properties of pi-conjugated organic molecules.

Organic molecules are those which are mostly made up of carbon. By using skilled chemical synthesis to exactly engineer the structure of molecules,we can access a wide range of properties: whether as medicines, dyes, molecular wires, or more. Our group’s research is based on the latter two categories. We design molecules using computational chemistry, make them using organic synthesis, and then study them with advanced spectroscopies.

Take a look around the site to learn a bit more about what we do. If you’re interested in working with us, whether you’re a potential student, an industry partner, or a collaborator, just get in touch.

Projects

Complexity in chemistry

Nature is an expert at self-assembly. Your body, as a whole, is a complex compartmentalised system of molecules, reactions, and replicators, all underpinned by self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry.

Functional π-conjugated molecules

We have several projects which aim to exploit the unique properties of pi-conjugated molecules to make useful materials. We currently have projects exploring singlet fission and Faraday rotation.

Fundamentals of electronic delocalization

Aromatic molecules are cyclic and pi-conjugated, and exhibit some interesting effects. Most well-known nowadays is the behaviour of aromatic molecules in a magnetic field: in an NMR spectrometer, we see that the chemical shifts of protons inside and outside the ring appear (de)shielded. This effect arises from the establishment of a persistent ring current of circulating pi-electrons, which itself generates a molecular magnetic field which opposes the applied field.

Team

For a full list of group members and alumni, visit our people page.

We are always looking for enthusiastic students and researchers to join our team. We welcome applications from students at all levels, including undergraduate, honours, masters, and PhD students. We generally support the applications of up to two high-quality candidates in each of the major competitive UNSW PhD scholarship application rounds (May and September for all candidates, with an additional round for domestic candidates in January). Other vacancies will be advertised.

Interested in joining the group or learning more? Send an email to m.peeks@unsw.edu.au.