Macrocyclic Anion Trapping Compounds for Radioactive Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting and quantifying anions, particularly monoanions, in various media are complex and lack efficiency, especially in environments contaminated with radioactive elements like iodine, which poses risks to public health due to radiation exposure and integration into the food chain.

Innovation Solution

Development of specific compounds of formula (I) that can selectively trap and detect anions through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, allowing for their stabilization within a molecular cage, facilitating their detection and quantification using mass spectrometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used for detecting and quantifying anions, then detection can be performed, but the process is complex and lacks efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces macrocyclic compounds as intermediary agents that selectively bind to anions through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. These compounds act as mediators between the anions and the detection system (mass spectrometry), enabling simplified and efficient detection without complex conventional methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection approach by using compounds with specific molecular structures (formula I) that have tailored binding parameters for anion recognition. By modifying the macrocyclic structure and functional groups, the detection system achieves high selectivity and efficiency for different anion types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used, then anion detection is possible, but selective trapping of specific anions is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanion detection selectivityVSAvoidselective trapping complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The macrocyclic compounds incorporate specific functional groups (hydrogen bond donors/acceptors, electrostatic interaction sites) at localized positions within the molecular structure. This local quality enhancement enables selective recognition and binding of specific anions based on their chemical properties, achieving high measurement precision without complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By adjusting the molecular parameters of the macrocyclic compounds (ring size, functional group types and positions), the invention optimizes the binding affinity and selectivity for different anions. This parameter optimization enables precise selective trapping of target anions from complex mixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If rapid detection of radioactive anions is needed, then public health risks can be addressed, but conventional methods are too slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The macrocyclic compounds are pre-designed with specific binding sites that immediately recognize and capture radioactive anions upon contact. This preliminary action of selective binding before detection significantly accelerates the overall detection process while maintaining high effectiveness in identifying radioactive contaminants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and effective detection and quantification of anions, including radioactive species, in diverse media, including polluted water, thereby addressing health risks and managing radioactive waste effectively.

Implementation Method 1

compounds enabling the trapping of elements, in particular ions, preferably anions, for example monoanions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonds: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

detection and/or trapping of anions for example from radioactive elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3013839B1Macrocyclic compounds and their use as anion trap
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 UNIV DAIX MARSEILLE
  • EP3013839B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3013839B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3013839B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and their use for anion detection and/or quenching, in particular for radioactive anions.