Tim's Ligand

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Tim's ligand, or TBTA (tris-(benzyl-triazolylmethyl)amine) is a ligand, which when complexed to copper (I) allows for quantitative, regioselective Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions between alkynes and azides, in a variety of aqueous and organic solvents. It is believed that the ligand promotes catalysis through the stabilization of the copper(I)-oxidation state, while still allowing for the catalytic cycle of the CuAAC reaction to proceed. Tim's ligand is named after Tim Chan, who developed this molecule for use as a biological labelling tool while working as a graduate student for K. Barry Sharpless. More commonly this catalyst is referred to as TBTA.

[edit] References

• Org. Lett.; 2004; 6(17) pp 2853 - 2855;