Synthesis and characterization of 3d/4f compounds containing Curcuminoids

Monday 14th September, 12:00, IFAE: NURIA ALIAGA-ALCALDE, ICREA Junior Researcher, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de Barcelona

A major aim of nanochemistry is the rational synthesis of metallo-aggregates and self-assembled systems with new functions based on their magnetic properties, light responsiveness, biomedical applications, catalytic activity, or redox properties, among others.[1-3] These useful and interesting properties may lead to the application of such assemblies, as for example: in sensors, compact information storage devices for next-generation computers, catalysts in industrial processes and medical applications (as implants, contrast agents for CAT scans,...).[4-6] Therefore, a most challenging project is the development of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with emphasis on their multifunctional properties.

The goal of the present work is the design of molecular assemblies of different nuclearities, incorporating d and f-orbital carriers with strong emphasis on their materials properties. Our synthetic approach involves the specific combination of curcuminoid ligands (derivates of curcumin [7]) and different 3d transition metals/lanthanides, providing interesting magnetic and electronic features. From a coordination point of view, curcuminoids are diarylheptanoid arrays. These unique conjugated systems contain a b-diketone bounded to olefine groups coordinated, at the same time, to aromatic systems. Here, the forthcoming functions of the final complexes will depend on the nature of both, metal and ligand. In this project, we have developped a new curcuminoid containing two anthracene groups that confer additional fluorescent properties to the final molecules.  At present, we have also achieved copper clusters with biomedical properties as well as additional materials containing Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and also Tb(III) metals.

[1]   P. D. Beer, P. A. Gale, Angewandte Chemie-International Edition 2001, 40, 486.

[2]   J. M. Lehn, Reports On Progress In Physics 2004, 67, 249.

[3]   R. Neumann, M. Dahan, Nature 1997, 388, 353.

[4]   A. Cornia, A. F. Costantino, L. Zobbi, A. Caneschi, D. Gatteschi, M. Mannini, R. Sessoli, in Single-Molecule Magnets And Related Phenomena, Vol. 122, 2006, pp. 133.

[5]   S. M. Saini, N. Singh, T. Nautiyal, S. Auluck, Indian Journal Of Pure & Applied Physics 2007, 45, 66.

[6]   Y. Gandon, J. F. Heautot, F. Brunet, D. Guyader, Y. Deugnier, M. Carsin, European Journal Of Radiology 1991, 12, 195.

[7]   V. D. John, K. Krishnankutty Appl. Organomet. Chem. 2006, 477.

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