Final Report Summary - SUPRAIMAGINGMACHINES (Ditopic Imaging Agents, Interlocked Sensors and Machines)
SUPRAIMAGINGMACHINES involved the development of molecular and supramolecular systems that interact with anions to give unusual spectral signatures. In the course of the programme, we developed new molecules that bind both to metals and fluoride ions, and that use the properties of the metal or the fluoride to sense change within the system as a whole. In the process of doing this, we prepared new families of molecules, and wholly new classes of structures (such as unprecedented mechanically interlocked systems that incorporate lanthanide ions). We have also established methods whereby these architectures can be attached to surfaces or nanoparticles, enabling them to be used as imaging agents. In the course of this work, we obtained new and important insights into:
i) the spectroscopic and magnetic anion sensing behaviour of paramagnetic ions in complexes;
ii) the nature and importance of halogen bonding for the recognition and sensing of anions;
iii) discovering novel templation methodologies in which synthetic chemistry can be used to build complex supramolecular interlocked functional structures;
iv) the incorporation of functional structures onto surfaces and particles for sensing and imaging.
i) the spectroscopic and magnetic anion sensing behaviour of paramagnetic ions in complexes;
ii) the nature and importance of halogen bonding for the recognition and sensing of anions;
iii) discovering novel templation methodologies in which synthetic chemistry can be used to build complex supramolecular interlocked functional structures;
iv) the incorporation of functional structures onto surfaces and particles for sensing and imaging.