Polytopic receptors for anion binding

Abstract

This thesis explores the use of polytopic receptors for the binding of anions through hydrogen, halogen and chalcogen bonding interactions. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to the field of supramolecular chemistry with an emphasis on the supramolecular chemistry of anions, synthesis via templation, and dynamic covalent chemistry. Chapter 2 gives a more in-depth introduction into the use of anions for the templation of triazole and triazolium based supramolecular structures. Chapter 3 looks at the synthesis of tripodal halopyridinium receptors and investigates their interactions with anions via halogen bonds in the solution and solid phase. Chapter 4 presents research into the synthesis of a [3+2] hydrogen bonded cage assembled through amidinium-carboxylate hydrogen bonding. Chapter 5 reports investigations into di and tetra bis-triazole pyridinium hydrogen, halogen and chalcogen bonding receptors and attempts to use these to form anion templated polymers and frameworks. Chapter 6 describes the synthesis of three organic cages through the use of the hydrazone formation reaction and reports investigations into their solution phase stability. The anion binding properties of the cages in water and in aqueous/organic solvent mixtures were studied. Chapter 7 describes the experimental procedures used in this thesis including the characterisation of all new compounds. The NMR spectra and X-ray crystallography data are provided in a separate appendix. Chapter 8 reports the main conclusions of this work and provides some suggestions for future investigations. Show more