US Patent granted to group in the Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
A group of researchers in the Department of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry comprised of N. Basarić, M. Alešković and K. Majerski have been awarded a US patent. Patent number US 8,022.097 is entitled “Adamantane-dipyrromethane Derivatives, Method of Preparation and Applications in Anion Sensing”.
The patent relates to an invention based on adamantane-dipyrromethane derivates and their use. Adamantane-dipyrromethane derivates are synthesized in a reaction of adamantane carbonyl derivates with pyrol or pyrol derivatives in the presence of acid. Adamantane dipyrromethanes bind the following anions, F-, Cl-, Br-, acetate, HSO4-, NO3-, i H2PO4-, and especially F-.
Anions play an important role in many chemical and biological processes. Many anions act as nucleophiles, bases, redox reagents or catalysts which allow for phase transitions, while many enzymes bind anions as substrates or cofactors. Furthermore, detection of anionic contamination of natural and wastewater, such as phosphates and nitrates, is of great importance. As a result the development of novel anion sensors which have a larger association constant for anions or greater selectivity is a priority. For these reasons the last twenty years have seen an intensive R&D effort related to the development of anion sensors.