Template formation of a macrocyclic pendant-arm ligand by intramolecular alkylation: crystal structure of the cobalt(III) complex of 1,4-bis(carboxymethyl)cyclam

Abstract

A cobalt(III) complex containing the tetradentate ligand edda and a bidentate diamine ligand which bears 3-chloropropyl groups on the nitrogen atoms undergoes efficient intramolecular alkylation in basic solution to form a complex containing the cyclam tetraaza macrocycle with two coordinated N-carboxymethyl pendant arms, characterised by an X-ray crystal structure of the perchlorate salt.