Adsorption and catalytic activity of trinitro-fluorenone derivatives towards NADH oxidation on different electrode materials

We compare the adsorption behavior and the electrocatalytic properties of several trinitro-fluorenone derivatives on common electrode materials. 2,4,7-trinitro-9fluorenone (TNF) has been recently shown to catalyze the oxidation of NADH with high rate constants (8×104 M-1 s-1) at potentials close to 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl when adsorbed as a stable monolayer on glassy carbon. Here we extend the range of substrates to metals like platinum and gold. This becomes possible through a specific engineering of the initial molecule. The introduction of adequate substituents, like cyano and allylamide functions, allows us to achieve good adsorption properties. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements reveal catalytic efficiencies that are comparable to those observed on glassy carbon with the mother molecule.