Supramolecular and Systems Chemistry of Trialkoxyborane Cryptands

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Max von Delius
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 553103910

Over the past ten years, we have demonstrated that the dynamic covalent chemistry of orthoesters and trialkoxysilanes is suitable for creating supramolecular hosts via self-assembly. The resulting cryptands are of exceptional interest, because they bind both cations and anions, adaptively respond to external stimuli, and are pH-degradable in aqueous media. In this proposal, we aim to follow up on an exciting preliminary result that has shown that the bulk chemical B(OMe)3 is suitable for the self-assembly of trialkoxyborane cryptands. We believe that the unique properties of the boron-based bridgehead will open new horizons in the chemistry of dynamic cryptands. For instance, we plan to include divalent (e.g., Ca2+) and trivalent (e.g., Eu3+) cations in such architectures for the first time. We also plan to bind anions both from the inside (endo, e.g., cyanamide) and from the outside (exo, e.g., phenolate) to the Lewis-acidic boron bridgeheads. Not least due to the simplicity of the proposed architectures, these studies have high relevance for applications in ion sensing, ion transport, and the synthesis of tailored battery electrolytes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants