Stefan Coetzee
Doctor of Philosophy

Supervisor:
Prof Melanie Rademeyer

In his thesis, An experimental and computational investigation of the magnetic properties of organic-inorganic hybrids, the promovendus studied the magnetic properties of copper-halide based polymers with potential application in Quantum Age spintronic devices. This was done by using two increasingly complex model systems namely, 1D trans-edge-shared polymers, which are simple structures and 1D magnets, and 1D stacked-dimers, which are significantly more complex (both structurally and magnetically) 1D halide-bridged polymers and investigating the factors that determine the strength and sign of the magnetic exchange in these materials. Through computational chemistry tools, the researcher demonstrated that organic ligand identity and orientation directly contribute to the magnetic exchange in the polymers, which is linked to the π-donor/acceptor ability of the organic ligand, and found that organic ligands with high π-donation result in higher magnetic exchange.

Madelien Wooding
Doctor of Philosophy

Supervisor:
Dr Yvette Naudé

Chemical profiling of the human skin surface for malaria vector control using combined chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques

Odour mosquito lures are currently used as part of integrated vector  control strategies in the fight against malaria. Variation in inter-human attractiveness to mosquitoes, and the preference of mosquitoes to bite certain regions on the human host, are possible avenues for identifying potential mosquito attractants and repellants. The chemical complexity of the human skin surface and ethical considerations when sampling humans call for non-intrusive sampling solutions that enables the detection of a wide range of chemical compounds, whilst not impeding on the dignity of the individual sampled, and as well as for sophisticated analytical techniques that enable the detection of low concentration chemicals in a complex matrix.

View full abstract here.
Read article in The Conversation

Zandria Lamprecht
Doctor of Philosophy

Supervisor:
Prof Daniella Bezuidenhout

Synthesis and properties of Fischer (multi)carbene complexes of condensed
thiophenes

Mmushi Moses Moeng
Doctor of Philosophy

Supervisor:
Prof Daniella Bezuidenhout

Synthesis and application of Fischer carbene complexes of group 6,8 and 9
transition metals

Shane de Beer
Master of Science

Supervisor:
Dr Jurgens de Lange

A theoretical study on the nature of organometallic carbene bonding in
Titanium Schrock carbene complexes

Leylene Kruger
Master of Science

Supervisor:
Prof Vinesh Maharaj

Development of Siphinochilus aethiopicus as a treatment for colds and influenza
and gas chromatographic analysis of volatiles of an insect repellent

Anshe Michelle Reinhardt
Master of Science

Supervisor:
Prof Darren Riley

The synthesis of analogues and bioisosteres of the acetylcholinesterase
inhibitor donepezil in an attempt to identify novel anti-Alzheimer's agents