Synthesis and cyclic voltammetry studies of copper complexes of bromo- and alkoxyphenyl-substituted derivatives of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine: influence of cation-alkoxy interactions on copper redox potentials

Host-guest chemistry is relevant to the development of microsensors to monitor pollutants. Coordination and host-guest chemistry is used in designing electrochemical sensors geared to detecting ammonium and alkali metal ions. Coordination complexes are used for the sensor molecules, and involve a functionalized tripodal ligand and a copper ion. Copper complexes function as efficient redox-active receptors since the electrochemical behavior shown when binding occurs with a guest is well-defined.