Studies on Metal-Ion Binding by Halogen-Bonded Structures

Dear Colleagues,

The development of novel materials for the binding of metal ions remains a very active field of research. Traditionally, researchers have made use of a variety of strategies for designing materials that can recognize and bind certain metal ions over others. Common to all these strategies is the need to consider explicitly the interplay among various interactions that can lead to the desired metal ion sensitivity and selectivity. Accordingly, several supramolecular hosts have been designed and developed in ways that consider the complementarity of the host with the size, hardness, and charge density of the intended guest. Among many others, crown ethers represent prime examples of successful metal ion host design.

Recently, the potential of halogen bonding interactions for the design of cyclic structures capable of binding metal ions has been considered. In this approach, the amphoteric role exhibited by the halogen atom as a Lewis acid, on the one hand, can be used to build a cyclic halogen-bonded network. On the other hand, the role of the halogen atom as a Lewis base, can be used to bind the metal ion in the direction perpendicular to the halogen bonds in the network.

To help promote and advance the use of halogen-bonded networks as supramolecular hosts for metal ions, Inorganics is pleased to announce the launch of a new Special Issue, entitled “Studies on Metal-Ion Binding by Halogen-Bonded Structures.” This special issue will cover both experimental and theoretical studies addressing fundamental aspects or practical applications of halogen-bonded structures and their potential role as host for metal ions.  

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Articles, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Rubén D. Parra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Inorganics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• metal-ion binding
• halogen bonding
• supramolecular hosts
• intermolecular interactions