Jeremy Sanders facts for kids

Jeremy Keith Morris Sanders, born on May 3, 1948, is a famous British chemist. He is a professor at the University of Cambridge and has made big contributions to chemistry. He is known for his work in areas like NMR spectroscopy and supramolecular chemistry. From 2011 to 2015, he also helped manage the University of Cambridge as a Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

Becoming a Chemist: Jeremy Sanders' Education

Jeremy Sanders grew up in London, England. He went to Southmead Primary School and then Wandsworth Comprehensive School. After that, he studied chemistry at Imperial College London. He earned his first degree in 1969.

From 1969 to 1972, he worked on his PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree. His research was about special chemicals called lanthanide shift reagents. These chemicals help scientists understand the structure of molecules using a method called NMR. He did this research at Churchill College, Cambridge, with his supervisor Dudley Williams.

Jeremy Sanders' Career and Discoveries

After finishing his PhD, Jeremy Sanders became a fellow at Christ's College, Cambridge in 1972. He then spent a year doing more research at Stanford University in the United States. After that, he came back to Cambridge.

He started as a Demonstrator in Chemistry and slowly moved up. He became a Lecturer in 1978, a Reader in 1992, and then a Professor from 1996 to 2015. He also led the Chemistry Department from 2000 to 2006. Later, he was the Head of the School of Physical Sciences from 2009 to 2011. He even served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 2006 to 2010. In this role, he helped plan the university's 800th anniversary celebrations.

Understanding Molecules with NMR Spectroscopy

One of Jeremy Sanders' key areas of research is NMR spectroscopy. This is a powerful tool that helps chemists figure out the exact structure of molecules. He was one of the first to use special techniques to study complex molecules like steroids. His methods are now used by scientists all over the world. He also helped us understand how certain chemicals work inside living cells.

Building New Molecules: Supramolecular Chemistry

Jeremy Sanders is also a leader in supramolecular chemistry. This field is about making large, complex structures from smaller molecules that fit together like puzzle pieces.

He worked with special molecules called porphyrins. His research helped confirm a scientific idea called the 'Marcus inverted region'. He also developed a standard model, with Chris Hunter, to explain how molecules interact in a specific way called pi-pi interactions.

He used different metals like zinc, tin, and ruthenium to create new complex systems. He found ways to build these systems using a method called templated synthesis. This is like using a mold to create a specific shape. This method helps speed up chemical reactions inside these special molecular structures.

A cyclic metallo-porphyrin tetramer created by templated synthesis around a fifth porphyrin. This is an example of a complex system built by scientists like Jeremy Sanders.

Dynamic Chemistry: Discovering Unexpected Molecules

Since the mid-1990s, Jeremy Sanders has been at the forefront of a new field called Dynamic covalent chemistry and dynamic combinatorial chemistry. He worked with other famous chemists like Jean-Marie Lehn on this.

Imagine you have a mix of building blocks that can connect and disconnect. In dynamic covalent chemistry, these blocks will naturally arrange themselves into the most stable shape possible. In dynamic combinatorial chemistry, you add a "template" that helps guide the blocks to form a molecule that fits the template best.

These methods are exciting because they can lead to the discovery of completely new molecules. These are molecules that scientists might not have thought of or been able to make using older methods. For example, his work has helped create complex structures like Catenanes (molecules linked like chains) and even a molecular knot.

Recently, Sanders also found special spiral-shaped structures called helical supramolecular nanotubes. These tiny tubes can hold other molecules inside them, like C₆₀ Fullerenes.

Awards and Recognitions

Jeremy Sanders has received many awards for his important work in chemistry. Some of his notable awards include:

• 1975 – Meldola Medal and Prize
• 1981 – Hickinbottom Award
• 1995 – Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
• 2009 – Davy Medal from The Royal Society. He received this for his pioneering work, especially in dynamic combinatorial chemistry.
• 2014 – Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a special honor given by the Queen for services to the country.

His nomination for the Royal Society highlighted his innovative use of NMR, his work with porphyrins, and his theory of pi-pi interactions. It noted how his techniques became standard practice worldwide and how his work helped resolve long-standing puzzles in biological chemistry. His research often crosses different areas of science, bringing new insights.