With the support from the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program in the NSF Division of Chemistry, Prof. Michael Haley, Prof. Darren Johnson and their students at the University of Oregon will investigate an underexplored class of molecules that contain adjacent phosphorous and nitrogen centers. Properly known as azaphosphinines, these “PN-heterocycles” feature a strong hydrogen bond donor adjacent to a strong hydrogen bond acceptor within a compact, fluorescent core. This research will explore and expand the utility of these fluorescent molecules as strong hydrogen bonding motifs for self-assembly and molecular recognition. This project provides interdisciplinary research training to both graduate and undergraduate researchers. The broader impacts of this project also include: (1) individual development plans, (2) regional, national, and international collaborations, (3) internship opportunities at universities, national labs, and companies, and (4) mentoring opportunities to ensure students receive both a depth of technical training as well as a breadth of professional training to launch their careers. The PIs’ commitment to mentoring, undergraduate research, and innovation ensures the research will have the broadest possible impacts. This fundamental research aims to design and synthesize azaphosphinines as new fluorophores and as recognition motifs in supramolecular chemistry, organic materials, and molecule/ion recognition. The aims of this project i