The btp [2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine] binding motif: a new versatile terdentate ligand for supramolecular and coordination chemistry

• Published in: Chemical Society reviews 2014-08, Vol.43 (15), p.532-5325
• Main Authors: Byrne, Joseph P, Kitchen, Jonathan A, Gunnlaugsson, Thorfinnur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binding Sites; Chemistry - methods; Coordination Complexes - chemistry; Coordination compounds; Dendrimers; Derivatives; Enzymes; Ligands; Logic; Metals, Heavy - chemistry; Models, Molecular; Networks; Pyridines - chemistry; Self assembly; Triazoles - chemistry
• ISSN: 0306-0012; 1460-4744
• DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00120f

Ligands containing the btp [2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine] motif have appeared with increasing regularity over the last decade. This class of ligands, formed in a one pot 'click' reaction, has been studied for various purposes, such as for generating d and f metal coordination complexes and supramolecular self-assemblies, and in the formation of dendritic and polymeric networks, etc. This review article introduces btp as a novel and highly versatile terdentate building block with huge potential in inorganic supramolecular chemistry. We will focus on the coordination chemistry of btp ligands with a wide range of metals, and how it compares with other classical pyridyl and polypyridyl based ligands, and then present a selection of applications including use in catalysis, enzyme inhibition, photochemistry, molecular logic and materials, e.g. polymers, dendrimers and gels. The photovoltaic potential of triazolium derivatives of btp and its interactions with anions will also be discussed. Here we review the progress made to date in the synthesis and applications of ligands based on the btp [2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine] motif; but these have recently become an important new class of ligands for use in coordination and supramolecular chemistry.