Heme and chlorophyll are pyrrole-containing molecules that play key roles in living systems - these molecules convert sunlight to the energy used by the animal and plant kingdoms. Building on nature's lead, chemists have developed pyrrole-containing molecules that have other uses, for example markers/tracers in biology/medicine, and molecules that show potential in harnessing solar energy for use in applications such as transportation. Detailed information on the structural versatility and the properties of these pyrrole-containing molecules means that new and improved applications can be developed based on this simple molecular framework.

The Thompson research group will design, prepare and use new pyrrole-containing molecules to explore areas such as functional materials like reusable detergents that can be turned "on" and "off", and systems that have potential as light harvesters in solar cells. Broad objectives are to: (i) provide new ways to incorporate pyrrole-containing molecules into materials that perform well as detergents and light harvesters; (ii) employ pyrrole-containing molecules as sensors, tools in biology, and tunable systems for optical purposes; and (iii) provide a world-class supportive research environment where young researchers gain skills that are transferable to industrial, professional and academic workplaces.

Many synthetic chemists shy away from working with pyrroles as the preparation and manipulation of these compounds is often challenging: such is the reputation of these highly reactive, yet tunable, molecules. The Thompson research group has a high level of expertise and experience with these types of molecules, and their work and that of other chemists is showing that pyrroles have rich properties that have been traditionally underexploited. This field is expanding rapidly, and the Thompson group is well-respected as a leader in this area.