Speaker 1: Julie Héron
Title: Magnetic properties of [NpO2(dpc)2]2-: solid state and solution
Abstract: Magnetic properties of the [NpO2(dpc)2]2- have been characterized both in solid state and in solution (SQUID and p-NMR). The magnetic susceptibility differ by 20 % between the two states. [NpO2]2+ is in the 5f1 configuration and it has been already shown that the equatorial ligands play an important role for the determination of the nature of the ground state and thus on the magnetic properties. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed with the SO-CASPT2 method in order to analyze these differences. For the present complex, our calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data and we show that the Li+ counter cation present in the solid phase plays the key difference.
Speaker 2: Sverre Løyland
Title: Simple models for biological carbon fixation
Abstract: It is desired to study the carboxylation and decarboxylation of various biological molecules, as they are common reactions in nature. One example is the carbon-fixing step of the photosynthesis. In nature this is done by the magnesium containing RuBisCO enzyme. By employing simple molecular models of the species involved, it is hoped to obtain new insights into the mechanism. In this talk I will discuss the mechanism and quirks of RuBisCO and give an introduction to the experimental and computational work in my master project.
The Hylleraas seminars alternate between Oslo (room V205) and Tromsø (room C302), and are broadcasted by video conference to the other place. It is possible to follow the seminars externally upon request.