Lanthanide(III) perchlorate complexes of two 24 membered N3O4-donor macrocycles

Two novel macrocycles, L-1 and L-2, containing a N3O4-donor set, have been synthesised, and their complexation potential towards Ln(III) ions have bee n investigated. The cyclocondensation reaction between 2,6-bis(2-formylphen oxymethyl)pyridine and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)butane in the absence of meta l ions, yields the macrocycle L-1 as the main product. The diamine macrocyc le L-2 is formed by reaction of the diamine and dicarbonyl precursors follo wed by an in situ reduction with NaBH4. The interaction of lanthanide(III) ions with both ligands has been investigated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.