Synthesizing Azamacrocycle–Metal Complexes with Diverse Applications

Azamacrocycles are nitrogen-containing analogues to crown ethers that can form complexes with transition metal ions, and Professor Tim Hubin of Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a chemist who makes use of topological constraint and rigidity factors to synthesize azamacrocyclic ligands that bind transition metal ions very strongly. The resulting complexes are highly stable and have a diverse range of potential applications. Professor Hubin achieves the synthesis of such constrained azamacrocycles with methods that include direct organic synthesis, the use of templates, protection/deprotection chemistry, and various condensation reactions.

Professor Hubin completed his Ph.D. in the laboratory of Professor Daryle H. Busch of the University of Kansas, and he credits Professor Busch with being the originator of much of the conceptual knowledge behind his research on azamacrocycle–metal complexes. By applying concepts from Professor Busch’s research, Professor Hubin has successfully synthesized transition metal complexes of ethylene cross-bridged azamacrocycles.

Professor Stephen J. Archibald of Hull University is one of Professor Hubin’s key collaborators. Their work together, which focuses on the applications of azamacrocycle–metal complexes in the field of medical imaging, has yielded several papers and patents.