Jeremy Sanders

NMR Spectroscopic achievements include the first complete analyses of the proton spectra of steroids through the pioneering use of NOEs and two-dimensional techniques,[8] and new understanding of the biophysical chemistry in vivo of microbial storage polymers.

In supramolecular chemistry, his porphyrin systems have led to one of the first experimental verifications of the predicted Marcus 'inverted region',[11] and the standard model (with Chris Hunter) of aromatic π-π interactions.

[12][13] He has used the coordination chemistry of Zn, Sn, Ru, Rh and Al oligoporphyrins to create new complex systems,[14] to develop new templated approaches in synthesis,[15] and to engineer the acceleration of intermolecular reactions within host cavities.

[25][26] Sanders' nomination for the Royal Society reads: Distinguished for his innovative applications of NMR spectroscopy in organic and biological chemistry, for his biomimetic porphyrin systems, and his theory of pi-pi interactions.

These studies gave one of the first experimental verifications of the long-sought Marcus 'inverted region' in photoinduced electron transfer, and led to the development of a general model explaining pi-pi interactions.

The model for pi-pi interactions, and its derived geometrical rules, is relevant to the structure of DNA duplexes and proteins; it promises to make a major impact in many areas.