In a recent collaborative research, six pincer molecules were prepared and assessed (according to the coordinating atoms) for their ability act as sensors for three divalent metals of biological and catalytic importance (namely cobalt (II), nickel (II) and copper (II)). Sensors are species (or devices) which response to a stimulus and allows for detection or quantification of the stimulus. The results lay the framework for further development of these molecules as sensors and also for the design of catalysts based on these molecules. The research was led by Dr. Mark Lawrence (Senior Lecturer) and his graduate students, Ms Crystal Thompson and Mr. Kirk Wilson (Department of Chemistry, The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona) in collaboration with and Dr. Kerrie-Ann Wilson (Senior Lecturer) from the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica).

Reference: Kirk Wilson, Kerrie-Ann Wilson, Crystal Thompson, Mark A.W. Lawrence. Optical and electrochemical sensing of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) in DMSO. Pyridyl thiazole and (thio)amide pincer ligands versus di-2-pyridyl ketone hydrazones. ChemistrySelect, 2023, 8, e202204624. DOI:10.1002/slct.202204624

Photo caption: Dr. Mark Lawrence (Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona) and his graduate students, Ms Crystal Thompson and Mr. Kirk Wilson, and Ms. Kerrie-Ann Wilson (Senior Lecturer, University of Technology, Jamaica).

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