Soft Molecular Materials Model Exam
-=- Otto Part =-
Question 1. (19 points)
(a) (4 point) Consider the following binding equilibrium:
A + B A∙B
The graph below shows the fraction of bound A and B as a function of the total
concentration of A and B that was added to the solution for different values of K. Which
one of the curves in the graph corresponds K = 105 M-1? Explain your answer.
100
80
% complexed
60
40
20
0
1E-6 1E-5 1E-4 1E-3 0,01 0,1 1
[A]tot and [B]tot (M)
(b) (4 points) Which experimental technique would be suitable for experimentally
determining an equilibrium constant in the range of K = 107 M-1. Explain your answer.
(c) (4 points) Explain how the entropy and enthalpy of hydrophobic hydration of a cavity at
room temperature differs from the entropy and enthalpy of hydrophobic hydration of a
small nonpolar molecule (for example butane) at room temperature. Also give a
molecular-level explanation for this difference.
(d) (3 points) Aromatic rings can form noncovalent interactions with other aromatic rings in
two different arrangements. Draw these arrangements and explain what causes the
noncovalent interactions.
NAME: STUDENT NUMBER:
(e) (4 points) Of the two systems shown below one exhibits positive allosteric cooperativity,
while the other shows chelate cooperativity. Assign the right type of cooperativity to the
two systems and explain, at a molecular level, how cooperative binding takes place.
system 1 system 2
Question 2. (12 points)
(a) (4 points) Describe what the packing parameter is and how it can be used to predict the
morphology of assemblies made from surfactant molecules. Support your explanation
with schematic drawings of the packing of surfactant molecules within surfactant
assemblies of at least three different morphologies.
(b) (4 points)
(i) How is the surface pressure defined (give the equation and explain the meaning of the
symbols)?
(ii) How does one typically measure surface pressure (give a schematic drawing of the
instrument and explain in words how it works).
(c) (4 points) Many surfactants have a Krafft temperature. Explain what the Krafft
temperature is and what causes it.
Question 3. (8 points)
(a) (4 points) The molecule below is mixed with a Cu(I) salt in a 1:1 ratio. Predict the
structure of the major product (a schematic drawing is sufficient) and explain why
essentially only this product forms.
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NAME: STUDENT NUMBER:
(b) (4 points) Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy are popular
tool for characterizing soft nanostructures. Give for each of these two techniques the
main advantage and the main disadvantage.
END OF EXAM
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