Complexation of Ln3+ Ions with Cyclam Dipicolinates: A Small Bridge that Makes Huge Differences in Structure, Equilibrium, and Kinetic Properties

The coordination properties toward the lanthanide ions of two macrocyclic ligands based on a cyclam platform containing picolinate pendant arms have been investigated. The synthesis of the ligands was achieved by using the well-known bis-aminal chemistry. One of the cyclam derivatives (cb-tedpa2–) is reinforced with a cross-bridge unit, which results in exceptionally inert [Ln(cb-tedpa)]+ complexes. The X-ray structures of the [La(cb-tedpa)Cl], [Gd(cb-tedpa)]+, and [Lu(Me2tedpa)]+ complexes indicate octadentate binding of the ligands to the metal ions. The analysis of the Yb3+-induced shifts in [Yb(Me2tedpa)]+ indicates that this complex presents a solution structure very similar to that observed in the solid state for the Lu3+ analogue. The X-ray structures of [La(H2Me2tedpa)2]3+ and [Yb(H2Me2tedpa)2]3+ complexes confirm the exocyclic coordination of the metal ions, which gives rise to coordination polymers with the metal coordination environment being fulfilled by oxygen atoms of the picolinate groups a...