Welcome to the Aprahamian Research Group

Research in the group focuses on the synthesis, development and characterization of small, smart, and functional molecules. For this purpose synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry is used in conjunction with advanced spectroscopic and computational methods.

Our interest in harvesting light-energy and converting it into mechanical work has driven us to the development of new light-induced molecular switches that can form the basis of various molecular machines and motors. This interest has also led us to the study of molecular rotors, which can be helpful in understanding how to control molecular motion and use it for our own aims.

We are also interested in finding new ways of forming lithium-containing and -pillared carbon based materials. For this purpose organolithium compounds will be used in the self-assembly of various well-defined supramolecular architectures. Such systems can be used as hydrogen storage materials.