Recent advances in the development of the btp motif: A versatile terdentate coordination ligand for applications in supramolecular self-assembly, cation and anion recognition chemistries

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214206
• Publication Date: 2021-09-17T07:00:58Z
• Authors: Adam F. Henwood; Isabel N. Hegarty; Eoin P. McCarney; June I. Lovitt; Shauna Donohoe; Thorfinnur Gunnla...
• Keywords: Coordination complex; Molecular Recognition

The btp [2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine] ligand is a terdentate that, analogously to many other ligands such as 2,2′;6,2″-terpyridine (terpy), has been shown effectively bind cationic metals through the central pyridyl nitrogen atom and triazolyl atoms; however, in contrast classical ligands, btps also possess unique capacity anions well. Polarisation of hydrogen atoms triazole rings allows them form strong bonding interactions with both anionic guests self-association. This dual binding property seen motif extended beyond traditional coordination chemistry applications wider areas contemporary interest, particularly supramolecular chemistry. Thus, this review focuses initially on developments chemistry, discussing use different metal ions, from transition lanthanides actinides. Then second half discusses 'all-organic' motif, where more unusual are explored, ranging medicinal optoelectronic anion macrocycles helicates, mechanically interlocked molecules. We conclude by potential future avenues exploration for highly exciting molecular building block.