The six central atoms in a texaphyrin molecule align nicely over the center and the five points in the Lone Star

Jonathan Sessler with model of texaphyrin

Texaphyrin is a sub-class of the class of molecules known as porphyrins, which are heterocyclic macrocycles. Research is under way in using texaphyrins to treat neoplastic and cardiovascular disease. The molecule was invented by University of Texas at Austin professor Jonathan Sessler. The name texaphryn arose because some of these molecules have a shape that is superimposable on the 5 pointed star featured on the State flag of Texas.[1],[2] Texaphyrins were nominated as the "State molecule of Texas", but the buckyball was chosen instead.[3] This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Jonathan Sessler The six central atoms in a texaphyrin molecule align nicely over the center and the five points in the Lone Star Jonathan Sessler with model of texaphyrin Jonathan Sessler (born 20 May 1956, Urbana, Illinois) is a professor of chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. ... In general, a molecule is the smallest particle of a pure chemical substance that still retains its composition and chemical properties. ... A porphyrin is a heterocyclic macrocycle made from 3 pyrrole subunits and one pyrroline subunit, and linked on opposite sides through 4 methine bridges. ... A macrocycle is, as defined by IUPAC, In the chemical literature, organic chemists may consider any molecule containing a ring of seven, fifteen, or any arbitrarily large number of atoms to be macrocyclic. ... The University of Texas at Austin, often called UT or Texas, is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. ... Jonathan Sessler The six central atoms in a texaphyrin molecule align nicely over the center and the five points in the Lone Star Jonathan Sessler with model of texaphyrin Jonathan Sessler (born 20 May 1956, Urbana, Illinois) is a professor of chemistry at The University of Texas at Austin. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Buckminsterfullerene (C60) Fullerenes are molecules composed entirely of carbon, taking the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. ...

Sessler has described possible uses of these compounds in medicine in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences as well as other journals. Sessler's company, Pharmacyclics, Inc., which went public in 1995, licensed the technology behind texaphyrins from The University to develop commercial and medical uses for the molecules.

References

• "Buckyball, UT entry collide in bid to be state molecule" February 19, 1997, Austin American Statesman, B1.

External Links

• Sessler Group home page