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  5. Group for Polycyclic Chemistry

Group for Polycyclic Chemistry

Sep 2nd 2025
Group for Polycyclic Chemistry

The main focus of research in the Group for Polycyclic Chemistry is exploration of diamondoids, naturally occurring cage hydrocarbons that have unique properties and are potential building blocks for advanced materials and in supramolecular chemistry. These sp3-hybridized cyclic alkanes have the spatial arrangement of their carbon atoms comparable to a diamond crystal lattice and the smallest representative of diamondoid compounds is adamantane. Unlike bulk diamond, diamondoids can be selectively functionalized using various tools of synthetic organic chemistry. Consequently, a bottom-up design principle can be applied when developing new nanomaterials based on diamondoid cages.

In our group we combine experimental synthetic methods with computational tools in the design of new functionalized diamondoid derivatives, with a goal of applying the obtained scaffolds as novel advanced materials and as supramolecular systems. Specifically, our research is focused on cage functionalization, preparation of bigger diamondoid systems linked with various spacers and introduction of function-oriented subunits on the cage framework. We consider the synergy of computational and preparative approaches to be crucial for understanding the processes underlying the behavior and supramolecular properties of nanomaterials and therefore combine them when constructing new cage scaffolds.

Group members

Dr. Marina Šekutor

Group leader

Dr. Marija Alešković

Researcher

Dr. Tatjana Šumanovac

Researcher

Dr. Margareta Sohora

Researcher

Alumni

Nataša Burić, dipl. ing.

Dr. Jasna Alić Stolar

Projects

2025 - 2026 - "Self-organizing diamondoid derivatives for molecular energy storage"/ RBI project as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Drafting and upgrading of national project proposals (KP1-25) / Principal investigator: Dr. Marina Šekutor

2024 - 2025 - "Organization of chiral diamondoid derivatives on material surfaces"/ RBI project as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Drafting and upgrading of national project proposals (KP1-24) / Principal investigator: Dr. Marina Šekutor

2022 - 2023 - "Influence of intermolecular forces on self-assembly of diamondoid derivatives in helium nanodroplets" / Bilateral Project, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia (MZO) and Österreichische Austauschdienst (OeAD) / Principal investigators: Dr. Marina Šekutor and Em. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang E. Ernst

2021 - 2022 - "Influence of structure and substitution of diamondoid amines on the cyclodextrin complex stability" / Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts / Principal investigator: Dr. Marija Alešković

2019 - 2020 - "Synthesis and binding study of permethylated diamondoid ammonium salts with cyclodextrins" / Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts / Principal investigator: Dr. Marija Alešković

2018 - 2023 - "Diamondoid scaffolds containing heteroatoms – preparation and application in development of advanced materials (DiamMat)"/ Installation Research Project / Croatian Science Foundation / Principal investigator: Dr. Marina Šekutor

2018 - 2019 - "Self-assembly of bulky diamondoid molecules on metal surfaces"/ Humboldt Return Fellowship, Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation / Principal investigator: Dr. Marina Šekutor

2018 - 2019 - "Application of Diamondoid Ammonium Salts in Supramolecular Architectures"/ Bilateral Project, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia (MZO) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) / Principal investigators: Dr. Marina Šekutor and Prof. Dr. Peter R. Schreiner

2015 - 2016 - "Diamondoid Amines – New Ligands in Supramolecular Systems" / Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts / Principal investigator: Dr. Marina Šekutor

Publications

A. A. Fokin, M. Šekutor, P. R. Schreiner, The Chemistry of Diamondoids. Building Blocks for Ligands, Catalysts, Materials, and Pharmaceuticals, 1st Edition, 2024, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, ISBN: 978-3-527-34391-1.

24. M. Alešković, J. Alić, W. E. Ernst, M. Šekutor, Self-Assembly of Diamondoid Clusters in Helium Nanodroplets Driven by Non-Covalent Interactions, J. Org. Chem. 2025, 90, 8825–8834.

23. N. Burić, D. Loru, J. Alić, M. Šekutor, M. Schnell, P. Pinacho, Elucidating the structures of substituted adamantyl esters and ethers using rotational spectroscopy and computations, ChemPhysChem 2025, 26, e202500035.

22. T. Šumanovac, M. Jakić, K. Mlinarić-Majerski, M. Šekutor, Synthesis, Alkali Metal Cation Binding and Computational Analysis of Adamantane-substituted Hexaaza Crown Ethers, Croat. Chem. Acta 2025, 98, DOI:10.5562/cca4146

21. J. Alić, I. Lončarić, M. Etter, M. Rubčić, Z. Štefanić, M. Šekutor, K. Užarević, T. Stolar, Direct in situ measurement of polymorphic transition temperatures under thermo-mechanochemical conditions, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2024, 26, 4840–4844.

20. M. Alešković, M. Šekutor, Overcoming barriers with non-covalent interactions: Supramolecular recognition of adamantyl cucurbit[n]uril assemblies for medical applications, RSC Med. Chem. 2024, 15, 433–471.

19. A. Usenik, M. Alešković, S. Roca, I. Markuš, M. Šekutor, J. Požar, Hosting of diamantane alcohols in water and hydrogen-bonded organic solvents: the (non-)classical hydrophobic effect, New. J. Chem. 2023, 47, 18745–18755.

18. P. Pinacho, D. Loru, T. Šumanovac, M. Šekutor, M. Schnell, Increasing complexity in adamantyl thioethers characterized by rotational spectroscopy, ChemPhysChem 2023, 24, e2023005.

17. M. Alešković, F. Küstner, R. Messner, F. Lackner, W. E. Ernst, M. Šekutor, Nanostructured supramolecular networks from self-assembled diamondoid molecules at ultracold conditions, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2023, 25, 17869–17876.

16. J. Alić, R. Messner, M. Alešković, F. Küstner, M. Rubčić, F. Lackner, W. E. Ernst, M. Šekutor, Diamondoid ether clusters in helium nanodroplets, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2023, 25, 11951–11958.

15. D. King, T. Šumanovac, S. Murkli, P. R. Schreiner, M. Šekutor, L. Isaacs, Cucurbit[8]uril Forms Tight Inclusion Complexes with Cationic Triamantanes, New J. Chem. 2023, 47, 5338–5346.

14. J. Alić, T. Stolar, Z. Štefanić, K. Užarević, M. Šekutor, Sustainable Synthesis of Diamondoid Ethers by High-Temperature Ball Milling, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2023, 11, 617–624.

13. M. Alešković, S. Roca, R. Jozepović, N. Bregović, M. Šekutor, Unravelling Binding Effects in Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes with Diamondoid Ammonium Salt Guests, New. J. Chem. 2022, 46, 13406–13414.

12. J. Alić, I. Biljan, Z. Štefanić, M. Šekutor, Preparation and characterization of non-aromatic ether self-assemblies on a HOPG surface, Nanotechnology 2022, 33, 355603.

11. J. Alić, R. Messner, F. Lackner, W. E. Ernst, M. Šekutor, London dispersion dominating diamantane packing in helium nanodroplets, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2021, 23, 21833–21839.

10. M. M. Quesada Moreno, P. Pinacho, C. Pérez, M. Šekutor, P. R. Schreiner, M. Schnell, Do Docking Sites Persist Upon Fluorination? The Diadamantyl Ether-Aromatics Challenge for Rotational Spectroscopy and Theory, Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27, 6198–6203.

9. M. M. Quesada Moreno, P. Pinacho, C. Pérez, M. Šekutor, P. R. Schreiner, M. Schnell, London Dispersion and Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions in Bulky Molecules: The Case of Diadamantyl Ether Complexes, Chem. Eur. J. 2020, 26, 10817–10825.

8. H.-Y. Gao, M. Šekutor, L. Liu, A. Timmer, H. Schreyer, H. Mönig, S. Amirjalayer, N. A. Fokina, A. Studer, P. R. Schreiner, H. Fuchs, Diamantane Suspended Single Copper Atoms, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 315–322.

7. D. Ebeling,1 M. Šekutor,1 M. Stiefermann, J. Tschakert, J. E. P. Dahl, R. M. K. Carlson, A. Schirmeisen, P. R. Schreiner, Assigning the absolute configuration of single aliphatic molecules by visual inspection, Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 2420.

6. D. Ebeling,1 M. Šekutor,1 M. Stiefermann, J. Tschakert, J. E. P. Dahl, R. M. K. Carlson, A. Schirmeisen, P. R. Schreiner, London Dispersion Directs On-Surface Self-Assembly of [121]Tetramantane Molecules, ACS Nano 2017, 11, 9459–9466.

5. D. Sigwalt, M. Šekutor, L. Cao, P. Y. Zavalij, J. Hostaš, H. Ajani, P. Hobza, K. Mlinarić-Majerski, R. Glaser, L. Isaacs, Unraveling the Structure–Affinity Relationship between Cucurbit[n]urils (n = 7, 8) and Cationic Diamondoids, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 3249–3258.

4. J. Hostaš, D. Sigwalt, M. Šekutor, H. Ajani, M. Dubecký, J. Řezáč, P. Y. Zavalij, L. Cao, C. Wohlschlager, K. Mlinarić-Majerski, L. Isaacs, R. Glaser, P. Hobza, A Nexus between Theory and Experiment: Non-empirical Quantum Mechanical Computational Methodology Applied to Cucurbit[n]uril•Guest Binding Interactions, Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 17226‒17238.

3. O. Moncea, M. A. Gunawan, D. Poinsot, H. Cattey, J. Becker, R. I. Yurchenko, E. D. Butova, H. Hausmann, M. Šekutor, A. A. Fokin, J.-C. Hierso, P. R. Schreiner, Defying Stereotypes with Nanodiamonds: Stable Primary Diamondoid Phosphines, J. Org. Chem. 2016, 81, 8759‒8769.

2. M. Šekutor, K. Molčanov, L. Cao, L. Isaacs, R. Glaser, K. Mlinarić-Majerski, Design, Synthesis, and X-ray Structural Analyses of Diamantane Diammonium Salts: Guests for Cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) Hosts, Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2014, 2533‒2542.

1. L. Cao, M. Šekutor, P. Y. Zavalij, K. Mlinarić-Majerski, R. Glaser, L. Isaacs, Cucurbit[7]uril•Guest Pair with an Attomolar Dissociation Constant, Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 988‒993; Angew. Chem. 2014, 126, 1006‒1011.