Tetra-amido macrocyclic ligand

Tetra-amido macrocyclic ligands (TAMLs) constitute a class of synthetic molecules that serve as catalysts for oxidation reactions. They were first designed by Terrence J. Collins and associates at Carnegie Mellon University, and are touted as examples of environmentally friendly catalysts. Several variations exist, including an iron-TAML complex that can catalyze the breakdown of the pesticide fenitrothion. Other promising uses for iron-TAML catalysts include the treatment of toxic effluent streams from paper mills and eliminating corrosive dibenzothiophenes from diesel fuels. The potential use of TAML as a bactericide against anthrax spores, which are known for their resilience, is being investigated as well.

References

• Science News article
• Collins team homepage
• Collins, T. J. (2002), "TAML oxidant activators: a new approach to the activation of hydrogen peroxide for environmentally significant problems", Accounts of Chemical Research, 35 (9): 782–790, doi:10.1021/ar010079s