Rational Supramolecular Strategy via Halogen Bonding for Effective Halogen Recognition in Molecular Imprinting

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Halogen bonding is a directional interaction valuable for functional material design.
• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer tailored molecular recognition capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel MIPs with halogen bonding-based recognition sites.
• To enhance selectivity and recognition capabilities through strategic template design.
• To demonstrate the application of these MIPs in chromatographic separation and screening.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing MIPs using two distinct supramolecular strategies involving halogen bonding.
• Employing aromatic fluorine substitution to enhance σ-hole interactions.
• Utilizing iodo substituents to suppress hydrogen bonding and enable multiple recognition patterns.
• Characterizing molecular interactions via NMR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and computational simulations.
• Performing chromatographic separation of diiodobenzene isomers.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized MIPs with tailored halogen bonding recognition sites.
• Demonstrated enhanced selectivity through strategic template modification.
• Achieved effective chromatographic separation of diiodobenzene isomers using uniformly sized MIPs.
• Showcased selective recognition of halogenated thyroid hormones via halogen bonding.

Conclusions:

• Developed effective supramolecular strategies for creating halogen bonding-based MIPs.
• MIPs exhibit high selectivity for specific molecular targets, including halogenated thyroid hormones.
• These MIPs show promise for applications in separating isomers and screening endocrine disruptors.