Utilizing an iron(iii)-chelation masking strategy to prepare mono- and bis-functionalized aerobactin analogues for targeting pathogenic bacteria.

A direct and selective method for the functionalization of aerobactin has been described. Selectivity was achieved by masking the functioning carboxylate via iron-chelation, leaving the two remaining carboxylates for direct modification. Both mono- and bis-functionalized aerobactin effectively targeted pathogenic bacteria, showing a facile method with prospective applications.