DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v24i2.240

Keywords: Triscatecholate; disodium silicon triscatecholate; pyrocatechol; silicon siderophores

Abstract

Triscatecholate is one of the anchor molecules imitating tripodal catecholate assemblies in mussel adhesion proteins and siderophores. These assemblies are biomimetic approaches inspired by natural multivalent metal binders. In this work, disodium silicon triscatecholate, Na2[Si(catecholate)3], was synthesized from the reaction between pyrocatechol (limiting agent) and sodium metasilicate nonahydrate at the mole ratio of 3:1. Two different reaction temperatures, 110oC and room temperature, were tested on two different concentrations of pyrocatechol (0.7247 and 2.7338 mole/L) at the same ratio as that of sodium metasilicate. It was proved by the 1H-NMR spectrum that disodium silicon triscatecholate could be formed at room temperature. However, the product under a high temperature of 110oC provided a high purity product with fewer impurities compared with that under room temperature. At 110oC, the reaction at the lower concentration reduced the possible side reactions compared with the high concentration condition as water would take an important role in the reaction pathway.