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This research thesis is concerned with the design and synthesis of metal complexes to explore their potential use as anion binding receptors. A range of mono 2,2'-bipyridine ligands bearing amide groups were prepared and characterised using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, CHN analysis and IR spectroscopy. The corresponding ruthenium(II) trischelate complexes were synthesised and characterised using 1H NMR, UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, CHN analysis and X-ray crystallography. Attempts to synthesise urea functionalised 2,2'-bipyridine ligands, resulted in the preparation of a new isothiocyanate, 5'isothiocyanatomethyl-2,2'-bipyridine. A new linear ligand bearing thiourea functionality has been prepared and characterised. Attempted complexation reactions with ruthenium(II), rhenium(I) and iron(II) to obtain the homo-dinuclear complexes were carried out. Anion binding studies were carried out using 1H NMR, UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy. The complexes were tested for their anion binding properties using a variety of tetrabutylammonium anions such as nitrate, chloride, bromide, dihydrogenphosphate and hydrogensulfate. Crystal structure data that was obtained using X-ray crystallography, for a number of these complexes, gave insight into the structure and when applicable the location of anions.