Physical Organic Chemistry

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Team leader: prof. dr hab. Grzegorz Litwinienko

Team leader’s e-mail address: litwin@chem.uw.edu.pl

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Brief description of the research topic:

The Physical Organic Chemistry Research Group
is organized into three specialized subgroups, each focusing on distinct yet complementary areas of research.

I. MOLECULAR MACHINES AND POROUS MATERIALS (Dr. Eng. Danowski and team)

Dr. Danowski’s subgroup focuses on the design, synthesis, and functional optimization of light-responsive molecular systems and porous materials. Key research areas include:

• Design and synthesis of novel molecular photoswitches and light-powered molecular machines

• Development of new scaffolds for light-driven molecular motors • Optimization of operational efficiency in light-driven molecular machines

• Design and synthesis of photo-responsive porous materials based on MOFs, COFs, and HOFs

• Development of synthetic methodologies for porous materials with tailored morphologies

• Design of light-orthogonal systems using block copolymers

• Fabrication of isoporous membranes from amphiphilic, stimuli-responsive polymers

II. CATALYTIC FUNCTIONALIZATION AND EDITING OF COMPLEX ORGANIC MOLECULES (Dr. Eng. Wdowik and team)

Dr. Wdowik’s group focuses on selective catalytic methodologies in organic synthesis, particularly in heterocyclic chemistry and late-stage functionalization. Their main research interests include:

• Transition-metal-catalyzed C–H activation strategies for modified N-heterocycles

• Single-atom editing in complex organic molecules

• Catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of heterocycles

• Application of developed methods in late-stage functionalization of bioactive and pharmaceutical compounds

III. SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY, FUNCTIONAL NANOMATERIALS, AND ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS (Prof. Grzegorz Litwinienko and team)

Prof. Litwinienko’s subgroup integrates sustainable synthesis, nanomaterials, and antioxidant research, combining experimental and theoretical approaches. Research themes include:

• Sustainable Synthesis and Catalysis

• Functional Materials and Nanocatalysts for energy, environmental, and biomedical applications

• Activation of Small Molecules (CO, CO₂, O₂) and related mechanistic studies

• Carbon Nanomaterials: Functionalization of fullerenes and graphene for photovoltaics, catalysis, and medicine

• Interfacial and Micellar Systems: Transport and encapsulation of bioactive molecules, lipid membrane interactions

• Antioxidant Chemistry: Mechanisms of radical reactions, solvent and interfacial effects, and design of novel antioxidants

• Nanotechnology-Based Antioxidants: Fluorescent sensors, nanoparticle delivery systems, and senolytic nanoplatforms

page: ptomf.chem.uw.edu.pl