Metal–Flavonoid Interactions—From Simple Complexes to Advanced Systems

Abstract

For many years, metal–flavonoid complexes have been widely studied as a part of drug discovery programs, but in the last decade their importance in materials science has increased significantly. A deeper understanding of the role of metal ions and flavonoids in constructing simple complexes and more advanced hybrid networks will facilitate the assembly of materials with tailored architecture and functionality. In this Review, we highlight the most essential data on metal–flavonoid systems, presenting a promising alternative in the design of hybrid inorganic–organic materials. We focus mainly on systems containing CuII/I and FeIII/II ions, which are necessary in natural and industrial catalysis. We discuss two kinds of interactions that typically ensure the formation of metal–flavonoid systems, namely coordination and redox reactions. Our intention is to cover the fundamentals of metal–flavonoid systems to show how this knowledge has been already transferred from small molecules to complex materials.