University of Helsinki - A Leading European University

Chemistry without chemicals

“Fifty scientists on one hill,” quips Professor Pekka Pyykkö about his team of researchers. The Centre of Excellence in Computational Molecular Science at the Kumpula Campus of the University of Helsinki is in the business of predicting the future. The basic laws determining the structure and features of molecules are known, but the problem of solving equations related to linkages remains. The existence of several new molecules has been theoretically predicted long before their production.

“The hydrogen bonds of water and other materials are still a topical issue. We use the latest and most demanding problem-solving methods in close collaboration with other leading international research groups,” says Pyykkö.

The results are expected to have both scientific and practical significance.

“New chemical bonding systems may still be discovered. Our unit was involved in introducing the theory of relativity to heavy element chemistry, and we described a new metallophilic bonding between metal atoms,” says Pyykkö.

Typical heavy elements are gold and uranium.

The Centre of Excellence studies nanotubes and other new materials. A specific goal is to identify a suitable material for the inner surface of the fusion reactor.

The unit is also among the best in the world in its study of noble gas chemistry. The first ever argon compound was produced in Helsinki in 2000. The research unit’s work on the empirical and theoretical research of high-resolution spectroscopy of small molecules has also received wide international acclaim. “The dynamic description of the movement in atomic nuclei, in both small and large molecules, remains a challenge. That would be of use when trying to understand combustion reactions and atmospheric chemistry,” says Pyykkö.

Text: Ulla Mether
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
Translation: Valtasana Oy