Napthaquinone derived ionophores: interaction with biologically important metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+)

The synthetic model systems based on the study of supramolecular compounds are proficient in mimicking the biological processes so as to get the insight of their processes. In this perspective, a series of naphthaquinone derived redox switchable ionophores namely D1 (2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12-octahydronaphtho [2,3b] [1,4,7,10,13] pentaoxacyclo octadecine-14,19-dione) and D2 (2,3,5,6,8,9-hexahydronaphtho[2,3-b] [1,4,7,10] tetraoxacyclododecine-11,16-dione) have been synthesized and interacted with Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ cations. The isolated solid state soft materials obtained after interaction were characterized by melting point, TLC, 1H NMR spectroscopy and CHN estimation. The extraction, transport potential and stability constant determination of these ionophores towards cations helped in investigating their binding strength in solution. The selective extraction of Na+ and Li+ by D1 and D2 correspondingly proves them an efficient compound for the manufacturing of chemosensor. Whereas efficient transport of Mg2+ by both the ionophores especially by D1 may assist in developing biomodels for understanding its transport through membrane in living system. The selectivity of these ionophores towards metal ions can be modulated by molecular tailoring.