In this work, supramolecular chemistry is used to address issues with the development of targeted molecular probes that can be imaged using hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI. Cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) is an excellent molecular scaffold for encapsulating xenon and producing a unique signal in the <sup>129</sup>Xe NMR spectrum. Unfortunately, the compound is incredibly difficult to functionalize, so it has not been used for the synthesis of targeted molecular probes. Our synthetic strategy hinges on the templated synthesis of “open chain” CB6, and subsequent condensation with a functionalized dialdehyde. Preliminary results have shown that modifying CB6 in this way increases water solubility, while retaining the ability to bind xenon. Future objectives of this work include synthesis of new CB6 analogs, focusing on modular architecture, containing biological targeting moieties.

Modular form of CB6 for HYPER_CEST imaging

254th National Meeting (2017)

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