A detailed study, using a panel of spectroscopic analytical methods, of the complexation between 1-hydroxyethane-1,1'-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and uranyl ion (UO(2)(2+)) is reported. Results suggest that the metal complex is present as only 1:1 (metal/ligand) species at low concentration (<10(-)(4) M). The conditional constants of this complex were determined at various pH using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (TRLIF) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Further investigations indicate the presence of a 1:2 (metal/ligand) complex at higher concentrations ( approximately 10(-)(2) M). Selectivity studies as well as structural aspects are presented.

New tripodal gem-(bis-phosphonates) uranophiles were discovered by a screening method that allowed for the selection of ligands with strong uranyl-binding properties in a convenient microtiter-plate format. The method is based on competitive uranium binding by using Sulfochlorophenol S as chromogenic chelate. This dye compound was found to present high uranyl complexation properties and allowed to highlight ligands presenting association constants for UO(2+)(2) up to 10(18) at pH 7.4 and 10(20) at pH 9. A collection of 40 known ligands including polycarboxylate, hydroxamate, catecholate, hydroxypyridonate and hydroxyquinoline derivatives was tested. Also screened was a combinatorial library prepared from seven amine scaffolds and eight acrylates bearing diverse chelating moieties. Among these 96 tested candidates, a tripod derivative bearing gem-bis-phosphonates moieties was found to present the highest complexation properties over a wide range of pH and was further studied.

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