Polysulfonic acids and polysulfonates: Synthesis, structures, and properties

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Jens Christoffers; Professor Dr. Mathias Wickleder
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2012 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 223676145

The project is the continuation of our work on polysulfonic acids. These acids are the sulfo-analogs of the well-known polycarboxylic acids. In contrast to the latter very little is known about the synthesis of of polysulfonic acids, their properties, and their salts. This collaborative project combines the expertise of an organic chemistry group (Christoffers) and an inorganic chemistry group (Wickleder). The Christoffers group develops new preparative pathways to polysulfonic acids, while the Wickleder group prepares the salts of these acids (polysulfonates) by various methods. The compounds obtained will be structurally characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, as well as by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy. The great diversity in the scaffolds of the organic acids will be used to create linkages of different dimensionality (chains, layers, networks) in the structures of the polysulfonates. Moreover, the nature of the implemented metals will lead to further properties. Of special interest is the magnetic behaviour (transition metals) and the luminescence (rare earth metals) of the prepared compounds.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Rainer Pöttgen