Reactivity and function of macrocyclic metal complexes

The introduction of side chains into tetraazamacrocycles allows the prepara tion of metal complexes with functional properties. On the one hand donor g roups at the end of the side chain can be used to control the coordination geometry of the metal ion. On the other hand reactive groups can be incorpo rated into the side chain and their reactivity can be enhanced by the fact that the group comes close to the metal ion (metal ion induced reaction). F inally the side chain can be used to covalently attach macrocyclic metal co mplexes to antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in nuclea r medicine.