An investigation of anion binding by acyclic metal-centred receptors

Thesis

This thesis reflects two main aims. Firstly, the synthesis and characterisation of a number of potential anion receptors was undertaken and their anion binding properties were assessed. In so doing, a second aim was fulfilled, namely a comparison of the various methods of detecting the bound anion, and quantifying the binding strength. Four techniques appear in this thesis; ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-visible spectroscopy, electrochemistry and luminescent emission. Quantitative titrations were performed and, where possible, stability constants estimated.

Chapter One provides an introduction to some of the themes of molecular recognition and provides a brief overview of the literature associated with anion recognition. A Prologue describes the design of the receptors studied; they all incorporate a metal centre and appended amide groups which provide sources of hydrogen bonding. The molecules are mostly cationic and a combination of positive charge and hydrogen bonding constitutes the binding interaction.

Chapter Two is concerned with receptors based on cobalticinium, [Cp₂Co] ⁺ . A number of receptors are presented and are found to bind anions with stability constants typically in the range of 500-1000 dm³mol^-1 . Receptors involving more than one cobalticinium centre are found to bind much more strongly and, furthermore, variations in functional groups appended close to the proposed coordination site impart selectivity; dihydrogen phosphate is bound more strongly than chloride. It is also found that different techniques give different stability constants and comment is made on this phenomenon.

Chapter Three examines the role of positive charge in anion binding and describes the synthesis and coordination properties of several neutral receptors. These molecules retain hydrogen bonding sites, and it is found that this is sufficient to bind anions, but the strength of the interaction is greatly reduced.

Chapter Four introduces another system, based on RuL(bpy)₂²⁺ , where L is a 4,4'-amide disubstituted bpy. The strength of binding is an order of magnitude greater than the cobalticinium systems as detected by several methods including emission studies, which are very sensitive. Comparison with a neutral, rhenium-based receptor is made. A dihydrogen phosphate-selective luminescent sensor is also presented.

The Epilogue identifies areas for future research. Specialised introductions and summaries are found at the beginning and end of each chapter.

Authors: Graydon, A; Graydon, Andrew

• Publication date: 1995
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-vjj9pkb0g
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anions; Organocobalt compounds; Organoruthenium compounds; Spectra