PhD project
Spin interactions and multiplicity as a tool for reactivity control
Tutor
Tomáš Slanina
Group
Tomáš Slanina Group
Redox Photochemistry
Redox Photochemistry
Abstract
The multiplicity of excited states in organic photochemistry is governed by electron spin and its interactions. Excited molecules most commonly occur in singlet or triplet states; interconversion between them and the resultant reactivity are controlled by spin-selection rules and the magnitude of spin–spin interactions. In particular, spin–orbit and exchange interactions affect the efficiency of intersystem crossing (ISC), spin-state mixing, and whether a given elementary step is spin-allowed.
Excited singlet states often have short lifetimes and a pronounced zwitterionic character, whereas triplet states, owing to their diradical nature, can also enable diffusion-controlled intermolecular processes. Crucially, however, it is the way spin interactions shape the energetics, accessibility, and selectivity of individual reaction channels that determines the outcome.
The aim of the project is to use spin as a control parameter: to design and study multiplicity-controlled (photo)reactions in which spin–spin interactions enable the reaction pathway, efficiency, and chemoselectivity to be tuned rationally, allowing targeted switching between alternative scenarios.
Study program: Organic chemistry
Universities
PhD students must be enrolled in a partner university and will be employed by the IOCB Prague at the same time (part-time or full time), which results in a competitive salary (a scholarship from the university + a salary from the IOCB). Each university has its own process, terms, and deadlines for PhD applications, which is separate from the IOCB recruitment process. You may discuss the details with the respective PI.
University partners
How to apply
Please return to the PhD projects at IOCB Prague – Call for Applications 2026 page and follow the instructions.