4′-Functionalized 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines as building blocks for supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience

Different mono- and bis-terpyridines were synthesized utilizing nucleophilic substitution of 4′-chloro-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine. In the case of the mono-functionalized ligands, different functional groups opposite to the metal binding site could be introduced; with the bis-functionalized ligands building blocks for metal-containing polymers with a tailored alkyl-chain length were accessible. As examples, a functionalized terpyridine cadmium(II) complex as well as a fullerene derivative were prepared.