Dr. James Wuest

Professor James D. Wuest is a chemist who is recognized internationally for creative, interdisciplinary work as a molecular architect. His goal is to design and synthesize molecules that use weak intermolecular forces to accomplish specific tasks. He has made important contributions to the study of complexation and catalysis by devising 'multidentate Lewis acids', which are reagents incorporating strategically placed electron-deficient sites that bind and activate molecules with complementary arrangements of electron-rich sites. Prof. Wuest has also helped create the new field of 'molecular tectonics'. He has devised "sticky" molecules, called 'tectons' from the Greek word for builder, that incorporate specific patterns of groups chosen to promote intermolecular adhesion. Well-designed tectons have a strong tendency to associate spontaneously and to generate complex aggregates with predictable three-dimensional structures. This work promises to have an important impact because it gives chemists the elements of a powerful molecular-scale construction set. Prof. Wuest has received numerous awards for his work, including the 1992 Rutherford Memorial Medal in Chemistry from the Royal Society of Canada.