The research program of the Feringa group is focussed on synthetic and physical organic chemistry. Inspired by Nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion and catalysis, the goal is to exploit the full potential of synthetic chemistry to create new structures and functions. A major part of the research is directed towards dynamic molecular systems. The focus is on molecular nanoscience, novel responsive materials and photo-pharma exploring biohybrid systems, self-assembly, molecular switches and motors. A second part of the program deals with the development (and application in chemical biology) of novel stereoselective synthesis methods and asymmetric catalysis. Chirality is a leading theme and over the years a unique and broad expertise in fundamental aspects of stereochemistry has been acquired including chiroptical phenomena, chiral amplification and origin of chirality.
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| Molecular Switches and Motors | Asymmetric Catalysis | Chirality | Photopharma and Biohybrid Systems | Self-assembly, Gels and Responsive Materials |
Prof. Ben L. Feringa obtained his PhD. at the University of Groningen, where he was appointed full professor in 1988, after working as research scientist for Shell. Under his guidance the Feringa group has developed extensive expertise in the fields of organic chemistry, nanotechnology, asymmetric catalysis. His discovery of the molecular motor ranks highly among the many discoveries made over the years. (Read more.)
Ben Feringa himself attended the celebrations to mark the start of the first building phase of the Feringa Building at the University of Groningen (UG) on Wednesday 18 September. ‘A historic moment. September 1969 I entered this University as a ... Read more
Mickel J. Hansen, Jacques I. C. Hille, Wiktor Szymanski, Arnold J.M. Driessen and Ben L. Feringa, Chem 2019 (DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2019.03.005)
Pumping a Ring-Sliding Molecular Motion by a Light-Powered Molecular Motor
Object Transportation System Mimicking the Cilia of Paramecium aurelia Making Use of the Light-Controllable Crystal Bending Behavior of a Photochromic Diarylethene
Murahashi Cross-Coupling at -78 degrees C: A One-Pot Procedure for Sequential C-C/C-C, C-C/C-N, and C-C/C-S Cross-Coupling of Bromo-Chloro-Arenes