Synthesis of an isocyanate-functionalized terpyridine as building block for metallo-supramolecular polymers

An amino-pentyl-functionalized terpyridine was converted to the corresponding isocyanate, which could be crystallized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The isocyanate-functionalized terpyridine was utilized as a reactive building block for the formation of a metal-coordinating polymer by reacting it under mild ­conditions with a hydroxy functionalized poly(THF). GPC characterization and UV-titration proved successful functionalization and complexation. Secondly, the isocyanate building block was successfully utilized for the formation of a metal coordinating ­compound with two different binding moieties as was proven by 1H NMR spectroscopy.