Mixed-Ligand Titanium Oxo Clusters: Structural Insights into the Formation and Binding of Organic Molecules and Transformation into Oxide Nanostructures on Hydrolysis and Thermolysis

We present the structure of a new tetranuclear titanium oxo complex containing the antibacterial agent triclosan. This provides a good model for the interaction between triclosan and titania, which may be used for drug-delivery applications. The antibacterial activity of the hydrolyzed complex against Staphylococcus aureus is investigated. Thereafter, we use the obtained titanium oxo complex to demonstrate its susceptibility towards hydrolysis, contrary to the widespread belief that titanium oxo complexes are water-stable, and demonstrate that it transforms into titania (anatase) on contact with water. Both hydrolysis and thermolysis of the complex yield titania particles, of very uniform size and shape, that connect into 3D nanostructures; this is of interest for practical applications.