Structure of the hydration shells of the hydrophobes triptycene and anthracene

Interfaces between water and hydrophobic carbon species are found in diverse settings and environments. These include, for example, icy comets, which often appear black due to the carbon on their surfaces. The topic of hydrophobic hydration is also important for understanding protein folding processes and drug-receptor interactions. In our lab, we have established a vapour-deposition technique that allows co-depositing water and carbon species from the gas phase. Recent work at ISIS has led to the discovery of a new type of cage structure around an almost spherical molecule and strong preferred orientation effects of the water molecules. We now wish to extend these studies towards structurally more complicated molecules including paddlewheel-shaped and rod-like carbon species. This work will lead to a deeper understanding of how water molecules behave at complex carbon interfaces.