Crystalline Metal-Organic Frameworks Drug Transfer

Crystalline Metal-Organic Frameworks Drug Transfer

A relatively new type of chemical compound is finding application in such areas as gas storage, and drug delivery. Metal-organic frameworks, or MOF’s, are rigid structures with large cavities which other molecules can occupy for later release and use. We are studying the properties of new MOF’s based on copper and organic molecules known as BAII’s. In at least one case it has been demonstrated that these frameworks are capable of adsorbing, and later desorbing, host molecules. This makes them candidates for drug delivery and gas storage. The synthesis, characterization and adsorption properties of one framework will be discussed. A detailed discussion of the synthesis and structural characterization of NBAIIICuOAc 1 will be presented. NBAII is an organic molecule whose structure resembles a lobster. It will be shown how copper containing NBAII molecules arrange themselves in the solid crystalline state in such a way that a framework results which contains channels in which guest molecules may reside. A study of the repeated adsorption and desorption of carbon tetrachloride from the crystals of NBAIIICuOAc will also be presented.