Synthesis and Evaluation of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Selective to 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) selective for the phenolic contaminant 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) were prepared and evaluated in three porogens of differing character (hexane, acetonitrile, dichloromethane). Rebinding of 2,4,6-TCP was found to be most effective in dichloromethane (imprinting factor: 13.2). Competitive binding studies performed against a range of close structural analogues showed a high preference for the target molecule, although partial recognition towards 2,4-dichlorophenol was also observed. Specificity was found to be dependent upon the presence of ring chlorine on the target, which suggested that these atoms participate in secondary binding interactions that are essential for successful recognition in the polymer cavity.