Contributions of Professor Reed M. Izatt to Molecular Recognition Technology: From Laboratory to Commercial Application

Abstract

Professor Reed M. Izatt has been a scientific pioneer in the discovery and development of molecular recognition technology (MRT). From early involvement in the field of macrocyclic chemistry to recent commercialization, Professor Izatt has made significant contributions to the field. Initial work focused on understanding factors important to selectivity, including cation geometry requirements, ionic radius, ligand cavity dimensions, ligand donor atom type and placement, ring number, and ring substituents. Subsequently, ligands were incorporated into useful formats including beads, membranes, and columns. Important applications were found in analytical and process industries. MRT enables the separation, recovery, and purification of specific species often from complex and difficult matrixes. Professor Izatt's scientific work has led to commercial separations including among others chloride ion, mercury, copper, lead, cesium, strontium, radium, palladium, rhodium, antimony, bismuth, gold, iron, and aluminum.