Thermal, ion-exchange, catalytic and antimicrobial aspects of synthetic oligomer and its polychelates with 4f-block elements

Acetophenone based oligomer was synthesized by condensation of 2-hydroxy-4-ethoxyacetophenone with 1,3-propane diol in the presence of polyphosphoric acid as a catalyst at 145 °C for 10 h. The synthesized oligomer was used to study its ion exchange efficiency and to synthesize its polychelates with 4f-block elements. The oligomer and its polychelates were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, FTIR, NMR and Thermogravimetric analyses. The Number Average Molecular Weight (\(\overline M n\)) was determined using Vapor Pressure Osmometry (VPO) method. Ion-exchange studies at different electrolyte concentrations, pH and rate have been carried out for 4f-block elements. Antimicrobial activity of polychelates against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) were measured Catalytic activity of only selected polychelates was examined for organic synthesis. It is observed that, oligomer can be used as an ion – exchanger and polychelates act as an efficient catalysts and antimicrobial agents.