4′-(3,5-Dimethoxy-4-propargyloxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

The preparation and characterization of a new terpyridine molecule containing an acetylenic moiety is described. Part of this molecule, unknown in the literature, is obtained from a biomass-derived synthon that is formed from the naturally occurring syringaldehyde 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. The title compound was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C), as well as by high-resolution mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.

"Chemistry-on-the-complex": functional RuII polypyridyl-type sensitizers as divergent building blocks

Ruthenium polypyridyl type complexes are potent photoactive compounds, and have found - among others - a broad range of important applications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis and phototherapy, energy conversion schemes such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and molecular assemblies for tailored photo-initiated processes. In this regard, the linkage of RuII polypyridyl-type complexes with specific functional moieties is highly desirable to enhance their inherent photophysical properties, e.g., with a targeting function to achieve cell selectivity, or with a dye or redox-active subunits for energy- and electron-transfer. However, the classical approach of performing ligand syntheses first and the formation of Ru complexes in the last steps imposes synthetic limitations with regard to tolerating functional groups or moieties as well as requiring lengthy convergent routes. Alternatively, the diversification of Ru complexes after coordination (termed "chemistry-on-the-complex") provides an elegant complementary approach. In addition to the Click chemistry concept, the rapidly developing synthesis and purification methodologies permit the preparation of Ru conjugates via amidation, alkylation and cross-coupling reactions. In this regard, recent developments in chromatography shifted the limits of purification, e.g., by using new commercialized surface-modified silica gels and automated instrumentation. This review provides detailed insights into applying the "chemistry-on-the-complex" concept, which is believed to stimulate the modular preparation of unpreceded molecular assemblies as well as functional materials based on Ru-based building blocks, including combinatorial approaches.

ROMP Synthesis of Iron-Containing Organometallic Polymers

The paper overviews iron-containing polymers prepared by controlled “living” ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Developments in the design and synthesis of this class of organometallic polymers are highlighted, pinpointing methodologies and newest trends in advanced applications of hybrid materials based on polymers functionalized with iron motifs.

Recent advances in metathesis-derived polymers containing transition metals in the side chain

This account critically surveys the field of side-chain transition metal-containing polymers as prepared by controlled living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of the respective metal-incorporating monomers. Ferrocene- and other metallocene-modified polymers, macromolecules including metal-carbonyl complexes, polymers tethering early or late transition metal complexes, etc. are herein discussed. Recent advances in the design and syntheses reported mainly during the last three years are highlighted, with special emphasis on new trends for superior applications of these hybrid materials.