Christian Merten
@mertenlab.bsky.social
Vibrational CD spectroscopy at Ruhr-University Bochum: Absolute configurations, active complexes in asymmetric catalysis and reactive intermediates in rare gas matrices.
Web: www.mertenlab.de || X: @mertenlab || Instagram: mertenlab
Web: www.mertenlab.de || X: @mertenlab || Instagram: mertenlab
Out now in @pccp.rsc.org 🥳: Deborah tackles the challenge of computing the VCD spectra of tartaric acid and the dianionic tartrate in water. She shows that few water molecules and a micro-solvation approach are not sufficient!
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@solvationsci.bsky.social #VCDspectroscopy
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@solvationsci.bsky.social #VCDspectroscopy
Vibrational circular dichroism of tartaric acid in water
Although tartaric acid (TA) and its esters have been among the first molecules to be characterized by means of VCD spectroscopy, the experimental spectra of TA recorded in water have not yet been repr...
doi.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Out now in @pccp.rsc.org 🥳: Deborah tackles the challenge of computing the VCD spectra of tartaric acid and the dianionic tartrate in water. She shows that few water molecules and a micro-solvation approach are not sufficient!
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@solvationsci.bsky.social #VCDspectroscopy
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@solvationsci.bsky.social #VCDspectroscopy
Proudly presenting our new🔥paper in @chemcomm.rsc.org : We characterize halogen-bonded complexes of ITFE and various phosphines by means of matrix isolation IR spectroscopy in para-hydrogen.
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
Matrix-isolation IR spectra of halogen–P and halogen–π complexes of phosphines and iodotrifluoroethylene (C2F3I)
The C [[double bond, length as m-dash]] C stretching mode of iodotrifluoroethylene (ITFE) serves as a marker for halogen-bonding (XB) interactions in complexes with phosphines. The formation of C–I⋯P ...
doi.org
October 6, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Proudly presenting our new🔥paper in @chemcomm.rsc.org : We characterize halogen-bonded complexes of ITFE and various phosphines by means of matrix isolation IR spectroscopy in para-hydrogen.
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
Finally out in @pccp.rsc.org: Our VCD study on Ace-Trp-nPr describes an approach to guide the micro-solvation based spectra analyis with data on conformational and solvation preferences obtained from MD simulations.
▶️ doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
▶️ doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
A VCD study on micro-solvation and self-aggregation of N-acetyl tryptophan propylamide
The analysis of VCD spectra recorded in hydrogen bonding solvents often requires the explicit consideration of solute–solvent interactions in the DFT-based spectral calculations. While such a micro-so...
doi.org
September 18, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Finally out in @pccp.rsc.org: Our VCD study on Ace-Trp-nPr describes an approach to guide the micro-solvation based spectra analyis with data on conformational and solvation preferences obtained from MD simulations.
▶️ doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
▶️ doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social @solvationsci.bsky.social
Shortly after defending her thesis, Frederike's second paper just appeared in @chemcomm.rsc.org! We investigated the rearrangement products of a [2.2]paracyclophane based nitrene, which could only be distinguished based on their #VCD spectra!
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social
#chemsky
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social
#chemsky
Photochemical rearrangements of a [2.2]paracyclophane-based nitrene studied by vibrational CD spectroscopy
Using VCD spectroscopy in combination with the matrix isolation technique, we investigate 4-azido-paracyclophane and its photochemical reaction products. We demonstrate that the isomers of the benzazi...
doi.org
July 16, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Shortly after defending her thesis, Frederike's second paper just appeared in @chemcomm.rsc.org! We investigated the rearrangement products of a [2.2]paracyclophane based nitrene, which could only be distinguished based on their #VCD spectra!
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social
#chemsky
doi.org/10.1039/D5CC...
@grk2376.bsky.social
#chemsky
Clemens successfully defended his PhD thesis and presented his exciting work on the characterization of chiral azacryptands by #VCDspectroscopy. Congratulations, great job!
His latest paper:
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
#phdlife #proudprof #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
His latest paper:
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
#phdlife #proudprof #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
July 8, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Clemens successfully defended his PhD thesis and presented his exciting work on the characterization of chiral azacryptands by #VCDspectroscopy. Congratulations, great job!
His latest paper:
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
#phdlife #proudprof #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
His latest paper:
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
#phdlife #proudprof #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
Congrats to Fredde for passing her PhD today.
Great work on matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy for the characterization of chiral high spin nitrenes and their rearrangement products.
#phdlife #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
Great work on matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy for the characterization of chiral high spin nitrenes and their rearrangement products.
#phdlife #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
July 1, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Congrats to Fredde for passing her PhD today.
Great work on matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy for the characterization of chiral high spin nitrenes and their rearrangement products.
#phdlife #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
Great work on matrix-isolation VCD spectroscopy for the characterization of chiral high spin nitrenes and their rearrangement products.
#phdlife #proudpi @grk2376.bsky.social
Malte's paper on C2F3I is out in @pccp.rsc.org! The #matrixisolation IR spectra in para-H2 and Ne are perfectly described by anharmonic VPT2 calculations, and that there are two stable sites in Ar matrix. Dimerziation in Ar is discussed as well.
@grk2376.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
Matrix-isolation IR spectra of iodotrifluoroethylene (C2F3I)
The infrared spectra of iodotrifluoroethylene (ITFE) recorded under matrix-isolation (MI) conditions in para-hydrogen, neon and argon were investigated. The experimental spectra were analyzed by compa...
doi.org
April 10, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Malte's paper on C2F3I is out in @pccp.rsc.org! The #matrixisolation IR spectra in para-H2 and Ne are perfectly described by anharmonic VPT2 calculations, and that there are two stable sites in Ar matrix. Dimerziation in Ar is discussed as well.
@grk2376.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
@grk2376.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1039/D5CP...
Together with the group of A.J. Minnaard of @unigroningen.bsky.social, we characterized the absolute configuration of cryptochiral 13,16-dimethyl octacosane by #VCDspectroscopy. Quite a challenge, especially with only very small sample quantities available, but possible!
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
Total Synthesis of the Membrane Spanning Tetraether Lipid brGDGT Ia and Elucidation of Its Stereochemical Configuration
Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGT's) are membrane-spanning lipids produced by Acidobacteria, and used extensively in geochemistry as proxies. The first total synthesis of brGDGT ....
doi.org
April 1, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Together with the group of A.J. Minnaard of @unigroningen.bsky.social, we characterized the absolute configuration of cryptochiral 13,16-dimethyl octacosane by #VCDspectroscopy. Quite a challenge, especially with only very small sample quantities available, but possible!
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
doi.org/10.1002/chem...
Glad we could contribute to this groundbreaking work. #VCDspectroscopy helped elucidating the stereochemistry of the main product!
The combined power of halogen bonding and asymmetric counteranion-directed catalysis = XB-ACDC: pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/.... Thanks to @mertenlab.bsky.social for structure elucidation and to the List group for this beautiful cooperation! A perfect #RESOLV project! @solvationsci.bsky.social
Asymmetric Counteranion-Directed Halogen Bonding Catalysis
Halogen bonding has been established as a promising tool in organocatalysis. Asymmetric processes are nevertheless scarce, and their applications are limited to a few studies applying chiral halogen b...
pubs.acs.org
March 4, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Glad we could contribute to this groundbreaking work. #VCDspectroscopy helped elucidating the stereochemistry of the main product!
The final paper of 2024, to which we contributed an absolute configuration by #VCDspectroscopy, is this wonderful study by Meckenstock and other from UDE. doi.org/10.1111/1462...
A CoA‐Transferase and Acyl‐CoA Dehydrogenase Convert 2‐(Carboxymethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐Carboxyl‐CoA During Anaerobic Naphthalene Degradation
We identified a CoA-transferase and an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase involved in converting 2-(carboxymethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA during anaerobic naphthalene degradation. This confirms the thn gene c...
doi.org
December 23, 2024 at 10:42 AM
The final paper of 2024, to which we contributed an absolute configuration by #VCDspectroscopy, is this wonderful study by Meckenstock and other from UDE. doi.org/10.1111/1462...
Read our recent perspective article on the Challenges and Opportunities of Increasingly Accurate and Complex VCD Experiments and Computations, which is out now in #JPhysChem Letters.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
After 50 Years of Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: Challenges and Opportunities of Increasingly Accurate and Complex Experiments and Computations
VCD research continues to thrive, driven by ongoing experimental and theoretical advances. Modern studies deal with increasingly complex samples featuring weak intermolecular interactions and shallow ...
pubs.acs.org
August 21, 2024 at 3:36 PM
Read our recent perspective article on the Challenges and Opportunities of Increasingly Accurate and Complex VCD Experiments and Computations, which is out now in #JPhysChem Letters.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
How complicated can it be to predict the #VCD of proline at different pH values? Deborah shows in her #firstfirstauthor paper in PCCP: Very! 🤯
Spoiler: The orientation of single H2O in large Pro-(H2O)n clusters affects the spectrum!
Read more here: pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
Spoiler: The orientation of single H2O in large Pro-(H2O)n clusters affects the spectrum!
Read more here: pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
June 14, 2024 at 9:45 AM
How complicated can it be to predict the #VCD of proline at different pH values? Deborah shows in her #firstfirstauthor paper in PCCP: Very! 🤯
Spoiler: The orientation of single H2O in large Pro-(H2O)n clusters affects the spectrum!
Read more here: pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
Spoiler: The orientation of single H2O in large Pro-(H2O)n clusters affects the spectrum!
Read more here: pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...
We finally succeeded in recording the VCD spectrum of a chiral high-spin organic triplet nitrene under MI conditions. Read the full story now in Chem. Eur. J.
👉 chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
👉 chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Vibrational Circular Dichroism of a Chiral Triplet Nitrene Investigated Under Matrix‐Isolation Conditions in Parahydrogen
A chiral triplet nitrene was photochemically generated from the parent azide compound and characterized by means of matrix-isolation vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. Despite the hig....
chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
May 28, 2024 at 6:19 AM
We finally succeeded in recording the VCD spectrum of a chiral high-spin organic triplet nitrene under MI conditions. Read the full story now in Chem. Eur. J.
👉 chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
👉 chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
On Dec 1st, Corentin successfully defended his PhD thesis after not much more than three years with us. Today was his last day and we had to say good bye. Wishing you all the best for the future in Finland. 🇫🇮
December 15, 2023 at 8:18 PM
On Dec 1st, Corentin successfully defended his PhD thesis after not much more than three years with us. Today was his last day and we had to say good bye. Wishing you all the best for the future in Finland. 🇫🇮
Out now in #PCCP: Our matrix-isolation #vibrationalCD study on chiral oxiranes, which revealed some drastic matrix effects that can significantly complicate spectra analysis. A qualitative microscopic picture helps explaining and getting round them.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1039/D3CP...
Read more here: doi.org/10.1039/D3CP...
November 21, 2023 at 9:19 AM
Out now in #PCCP: Our matrix-isolation #vibrationalCD study on chiral oxiranes, which revealed some drastic matrix effects that can significantly complicate spectra analysis. A qualitative microscopic picture helps explaining and getting round them.
Read more here: doi.org/10.1039/D3CP...
Read more here: doi.org/10.1039/D3CP...