Salinomycin and nigericin are members of polyether carboxylic acid
ionophores.
Recent studies using phospholipid vesicles show that these compounds transport Pb2+ with high
selectivity relative to other divalent cations. The purpose of this work is to help explain the high selectivity of these ionophores for lead over other metal ions. CD studies in 80% methanol-water indicate that Pb2+ forms 1: 1 complexes almost quantitatively with monensin, nigericin, narasin, maduramicin, and salinomycin. UV-Vis titrations in 80% methanol-water showed the same result for nigericin and salinomycin. The lead complexes of nigericin and salinomycin were prepared and were subjected to elemental and MS…
