Synthesis and Characterization of New Nickel (II) and Copper (II) Complexes of the Hexaaza Macrobicyclic Ligand 8-Methyl-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazabicyclo[11,2,1] hexadecane

Template condensation reaction of diethylenetriamine, ethylenediamine, methylamine, and formaldehyde in the presence of Ni(II) or Cu(II) ion yields new saturated hexaaza macrobicyclic complexes $[Ni(C)]^{2+}\;and\;[Cu(C)]^{2+}$, where C is 8-methyl-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazabicyclo[11,2,1]hexad ecane. The macrobicyclic complexes contain one 1,3-diazacyclopentane ring and one methyl pendant arm in the ligand C and have square planar geometry with 5-6-5-6 chelate ring sequence. Synthesis, characterization, and the properties of the macrobicyclic complexes are described.