Macromolecules containing Bipyridine and Terpyridine Metal Complexes: Towards Metallo-Supramolecular Polymers

Schubert, Ulrich S.; Eschbaumer, Christian

Abstract:

The ability of a broad range of N-heterocycles to act as very effective and stable complexation agents for several transition metal ions, such as cobalt(

), copper(

), nickel(

), and ruthenium(

), has longbeen known in analytical chemistry. This behavior was later utilized in supramolecular chemistry for the construction of highly sophisticated architectures, such as helicates, racks, and grids. The discovery of macromolecules by Staudinger in 1922 opened up avenues towards sophisticated materials with properties hitherto completely unknown. In the last few decades, the combination of macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry has been attempted by developingmetal- complexing and metalcontainingpolymers for a wide variety of applications that range from filtration to catalysis. The stability of the polymer ±metal complex is a fundamental requirement for such applications. In this respect, the use of bi- and terpyridines as chelatinglig ands is highly promising, since these molecules are known to form highly stable complexes with interestingphysical properties with transition-metal ions. A large number of different structures have been designed for many different applications, but polymers based on the application of coordinative forces have been prepared in a few cases only. Furthermore, the synthetic procedures applied frequently resulted in low yields. Duringthe last few years, strong efforts have been made in the direction of self-assemblingand supramolecular polymers as novel materials with ™intelligent∫ and tunable properties. In this review, an overview of this active area at the interface of supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry is given.

Year:

2002

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

bipyridine ligands; coordination chemistry; polymers; supramolecular chemistry; terpyridine ligands

Journal:

Angewandte Chemie

Volume:

41

Pages:

2892 – 2926