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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Photophysical And Photochemical Processes In Small Molecules And Materials For Solar Energy Conversion, Ethan Lambert May 2023

Photophysical And Photochemical Processes In Small Molecules And Materials For Solar Energy Conversion, Ethan Lambert

Honors Theses

The work covered in this thesis all falls under the theme of photophysical processes after light and matter interact. Those of primary interest are Raman scattering induced vibrations and excited state dynamics probed by transient absorption spectroscopy. Small molecules are studied with Raman spectroscopy and computational chemistry. These studies unearth the shifts in vibrational frequency as a function of charge transfer or receipt and how a quantitative assay of natural orbital populations and delocalization can offer both the nature and magnitude of this charge transfer. Further, a method is presented that builds upon previous work within the academic family tree; …


A Study Of Cannabigerolic Acid And Its Derivatives Via Raman Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory, Trevor Wolfe May 2022

A Study Of Cannabigerolic Acid And Its Derivatives Via Raman Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory, Trevor Wolfe

Honors Theses

The cannabinoids are a class of molecules endogenous to the cannabis plant. Their scientific relevance has increased in recent years due to the mercurial legal status of marijuana across the United States. Some of the most known are cannabidiol (CBD), δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (δ9-THC), and δ8-THC due in large part to their widespread use, especially in states where marijuana and related products are legal. However, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is arguably the most important cannabinoid; it is enzymatically converted into other acidic cannabinoids, which subsequently undergo non-enzymatic processes (isomerization, thermal decarboxylation, oxidation, etc.) to synthesize further cannabinoids. Although there is a wealth of …


Spectroscopic And Computational Studies Of The Agricultural Active Ingredient Dicamba, James Johnson Apr 2020

Spectroscopic And Computational Studies Of The Agricultural Active Ingredient Dicamba, James Johnson

Honors Theses

3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy benzoic acid, more commonly known as Dicamba, is the active ingredient in an array of pesticides used on farmlands across the globe. Dicamba’s mode of action works by mimicking the plant hormone auxin, which is synonymous to growth hormones in mammals. The mimicking of auxin results in excessive elongation and growing, which is eventually fatal for plants when the rate of growth can no longer be sustained. Dicamba has risen in prominence in recent years due to drift damage as a result of Dicamba’s high volatility. Having the ability to identify Dicamba is crucial for the agricultural industry. The …