Thermodynamic and structural properties of Gd(III) complexes with polyamino-polycarboxylic ligands: basic compounds for the development of MRI contrast agents

Abstract The main purpose of this review is to collect equilibrium data in aqueous solution and structural properties in the solid state for significant examples of Gd(III) complexes with both acyclic and macrocyclic polyamino-polycarboxylic ligands. The intent is to determine the ligand characteristics which contribute to the complexes’ stability. Several aspects connected with the use of similar Gd(III) complexes as contrast agents in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are also considered.