Interaction of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with dibenzo-substituted macrocyclic ligands incorporating both symmetrically and unsymmetrically arranged N, O and S donors

The synthesis and characterisation of four 17-membered, dibenzo-substituted macrocyclic ligands incorporating unsymmetrical arrangements of their N(3)S(2), N(3)O(2) and N(3)OS (two ligands) donor atoms are described; these rings complete the matrix of related macrocyclic systems incorporating both symmetric and unsymmetric donor sets reported previously. The X-ray structures of three of the new macrocycles are reported. In two of the Cu(II) structures only three of the possible five donor atoms present in the corresponding macrocyclic ligand bind to the Cu(II) site, whereas all five donors are coordinated in each of the remaining complexes. The interaction of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with the unsymmetric macrocycle series has been investigated by potentiometric (pH) titration in 95% methanol; X-ray structures of two nickel and three copper complexes of these ligands, each exhibiting 1:1 (M:L) ratios, have been obtained. The results are discussed in the context of previous results for these metals with the analogous 17-membered ring systems incorporating symmetrical arrangements of their donor atoms, with emphasis being given to both the influence of the donor atom set, as well as the donor atom sequence, on the nature of the resulting complexes.     

Structural and EPR studies on single-crystal and polycrystalline samples of copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with N2S2-based macrocyclic ligands

The properties of Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes with oxygen- or nitrogen-containing macrocycles have been extensively studied; however, less attention has been paid to the study of complexes containing sulfur atoms in the first coordination sphere. Herein we present the interaction between these two metal ions and two macrocyclic ligands with N2S2 donor sets. Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes with the pyridine-containing 14-membered macrocycles 3,11-dithia-7,17-diazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene (L) and 7-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3,11-dithia-7,17-diazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene (L1) have been synthesized. The X-ray structural analysis of {[Co(ClO4)(H2O)(L)][Co(H2O)2(L)]}(ClO4)3 shows two different metal sites in octahedral coordination. The EPR spectra of powdered samples of this compound are typical of distorted six-coordinated Co(II) ions in a high-spin (S=3/2) configuration, with the ground state being S=1/2 (g1=5.20, g2=3.20, g3=1.95). The EPR spectrum of [Cu(ClO4)(L)](ClO4) was simulated assuming an axial g tensor (g1=g2=2.043, g3=2.145), while that of [Cu(ClO4)(L1)](ClO4) slightly differs from an axial symmetry (g1=2.025, g2=2.060, g3=2.155). These results are compatible with a Cu(II) ion in square-pyramidal coordination with N2S2 as basal ligands. Single-crystal EPR experiment performed on [Cu(ClO4)(L1)](ClO4) allowed determining the eigenvalues of the molecular g tensor associated with the copper site, as well as the two possible orientations for the tensor. On the basis of symmetry arguments, an assignment in which the eigenvectors are nearly along the Cu(II)-ligand bonds is chosen.     

A new pyridine-based 12-membered macrocycle functionalised with different fluorescent subunits; coordination chemistry towards Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II)

The coordination chemistry of the new pyridine-based, N2S2-donating 12-membered macrocycle 2,8-dithia-5-aza-2,6-pyridinophane (L1) towards Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) has been investigated both in aqueous solution and in the solid state. The protonation constants for L1 and stability constants with the aforementioned metal ions have been determined potentiometrically and compared with those of ligand L2, which contains a N-aminopropyl side arm. The measured values show that Hg(II) in water has the highest affinity for both ligands followed by Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II). For each metal ion considered, 1:1 complexes with L1 have also been isolated in the solid state, those of Cu(II) and Zn(II) having also been characterised by X-ray crystallography. In both complexes L1 adopts a folded conformation and the coordination environments around the two metal centres are very similar: four positions of a distorted octahedral coordination sphere are occupied by the donor atoms of the macrocyclic ligand, and the two mutually cis-positions unoccupied by L1 accommodate monodentate NO3- ligands. The macrocycle L1 has then been functionalised with different fluorogenic subunits. In particular, the N-dansylamidopropyl (L3), N-(9-anthracenyl)methyl (L4), and N-(8-hydroxy-2-quinolinyl)methyl (L5) pendant arm derivatives of L1 have been synthesised and their optical response to the above mentioned metal ions investigated in MeCN/H2O (4:1 v/v) solutions.     

Hg(II) and Cd(II) complexes with mixed donor macrocyclic thioethers: The oxophobicity of mercury(II)

A series of Hg(II) and Cd(II) homoleptic complexes with mixed donor (O,S and N,S) macrocycles is reported. The macrocyclic oxa thiacrowns 9S2O (1-oxa-4,7-dithiacyclononane) and 18S4O2 (1,10-dioxa-4,7,13,16-tetrathiacyclooctadecane) bind to Hg(II) to form distorted tetrahedral S4 geometries without coordination of the oxygen atoms. In contrast, the two macrocycles coordinate to Cd(II) through all ligand donors to form S4O2 environments. We also report the structure of bis(9N2S (1,4-diaza-7-thiacyclononane))cadmium(II), [Cd(9N2S)₂]²⁺ which shows octahedral coordination in a trans N4S2 environment. Furthermore, two new homoleptic Cd(II) complexes with the related hexadentate macrocycles 18N6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane) and 18S6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiayclooctadecane) are described. Among the Cd(II) complexes, we highlight a trend in ¹¹³Cd NMR that shows progressive upfield chemical shifts as secondary amine donors replace thioether S donors.     

Structures of Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes of 14-Membered Macrocyclic Quadridentate Ligands

The structures of 41 Ni(II) and 17 Cu(II) complexes of macrocyclic quadridentate ligands have been analyzed, and are discussed about bond lengths, bond angles, conformations, and configurations, upon which many conclusions are formed. The inter- or intra-molecular hydrogen bonds exist among ligands and hydrates in many compounds and play an important role in the structures. There are exhibited two distinct peaks on the histogram of the average Ni-N distances, corresponding to four coordination and six coordination; these average Ni-N distances are 1.95(4) Å and 2.10(5) Å, respectively. The most probable structures of Ni(II) macrocyclic compounds have coordination number six for the metal ion, chair forms for six-membered rings, planar structure for the metal ion and the four donor atoms of the quadridentate ligand and an inversion center at the central metal ion.     

Preparation and characterization of mononuclear Co, Ni, and Zn complexes of dinucleating macrocyclic hexaaza-dithiophenolate ligands and their open-chain derivatives

The preparation and characterization of mononuclear complexes of the dinucleating 24-membered hexazadithiophenolate macrocycles H2L2 and H2L3 and their open-chain N3S2 analogues H2L4 and H2L5 are reported. The highly crystalline compounds [Ni(L4)] (4), [Ni(L5)] (5), [Co(L5)] (6), [NiH2(L2)]2+ (7), [ZnH2(L2)]2+ (8), and [NiH2(L3)]2+ (9) could be readily prepared by stoichiometric complexation reactions of the hydrochlorides of the free ligands with the corresponding metal(II) dichlorides and NEt3 in methanolic solution. All complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Monometallic complexes 4-6 of the pentadentate ligands H2L4 and H2L5 feature distorted square pyramidal MN3S2 structures (tau = 0.01 to 0.44). Similar coordination geometries are observed for the macrocyclic complexes 7-9 of the octadentate ligands H2L2 and H2L3. The two hydrogen atoms in 7-9 are attached to the noncoordinating benzylic amine functions and are hydrogen bonded to the metal-bound thiophenolate functions. A comparison of the structures of 4-9 reveals that the macrocycles L2 and L3 have a rather flexible ligand backbone that do not confer unusual coordination geometries on the metal ions. We also report on the ability of the monometallic complexes 7 and 8 to serve as starting materials for the preparation of dinuclear complexes.     

Conformational and stereochemical flexibility in cadmium(II) complexes of aza-thioether macrocycles

The synthesis and crystal structures of four CdII macrocyclic complexes containing mixed N-, O- and S-donors, [Cd(NO3)2([12]aneN2S2)] (1), [Cd(NO3)2([12]aneNS3)] (2), [Cd(NO3)2([15]aneNO2S2)] (3) and [Cd(NO3)([15]aneN2O2S)]NO3 (4), are presented. The metal ion is coordinated outside of the macrocyclic cavity in the complexes of the smaller macrocycles ([12]aneN2S2 and [12]aneNS3) while the flexibility of the larger macrocycles in and allows very different conformations to be adopted with a 'butterfly' geometry in and a flattened geometry in. No correlation between the number of sulfur donors and Cd-S bond distance in these types of complexes is observed, although the number and binding mode of the nitrato ligands is determined by the conformation and binding mode of the macrocycle. The position of the nitrato ligand also influences, through steric conflicts with the macrocyclic donor atoms, the bond distances in both ligand systems.     

Cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a hexadentate pyridine amide ligand. Effect of donor atom (ether vs. thioether) on coordination geometry, spin-state of cobalt and M(III)-M(II) redox potential

Using an acyclic hexadentate pyridine amide ligand, containing a -OCH(2)CH(2)O- spacer between two pyridine-2-carboxamide units (1,4-bis[o-(pyrydine-2-carboxamidophenyl)]-1,4-dioxabutane (H(2)L(9)), in its deprotonated form), four new complexes, [Co(II)(L(9))] (1) and its one-electron oxidized counterpart [Co(III)(L(9))][NO(3)]·2H(2)O (2), [Ni(II)(L(9))] (3) and [Cu(II)(L(9))] (4), have been synthesized. Structural analyses revealed that the Co(II) centre in 1 and the Ni(II) centre in 3 are six-coordinate, utilizing all the available donor sites and the Cu(II) centre in 4 is effectively five-coordinated (one of the ether O atoms does not participate in coordination). The structural parameters associated with the change in the metal coordination environment have been compared with corresponding complexes of thioether-containing hexadentate ligands. The μ(eff) values at 298 K of 1-4 correspond to S = 3/2, S = 0, S = 1 and S = 1/2, respectively. Absorption spectra for all the complexes have been investigated. EPR spectral properties of the copper(II) complex 4 have been investigated, simulated and analyzed. Cyclic voltammetric experiments in CH(2)Cl(2) reveal quasireversible Co(III)-Co(II), Ni(III)-Ni(II) and Cu(II)-Cu(I) redox processes. In going from ether O to thioether S coordination, the effect of the metal coordination environment on the redox potential values of Co(III)-Co(II) (here the effect of spin-state as well), Ni(III)-Ni(II) and Cu(II)-Cu(I) processes have been systematically analyzed.     

Bis- and tris-(methylphosphonic) acid derivatives of a 14-membered tetraazamacrocycle containing pyridine: synthesis, protonation and complexation studies

Two N-methylphosphonic acid derivatives of a 14-membered tetraazamacrocycle containing pyridine have been synthesized, H(4)L(1) and H(6)L(2). The protonation constants of these compounds and the stability constants of complexes of both ligands with Ni(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) were determined by potentiometric methods at 298 K and ionic strength 0.10 mol dm(-3) in NMe(4)NO(3). The high overall basicity of both compounds is ascribed to the presence of the phosphonate arms. (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopic titrations were performed to elucidate the sequence of protonation, which were complemented by conformational analysis studies. The complexes of these ligands have stability constants of the order of or higher than those formed with ligands having the same macrocyclic backbone but acetate arms. At pH = 7 the highest pM values were found for solutions containing the compound with three acetate groups, followed immediately by those of H(6)L(2), however, as expected, the increasing pH favours the complexes of ligands containing phosphonate groups. The single-crystal structure of Na(2)[Cu(HL(1))]NO(3)x8H(2)O has shown that the coordination geometry around the copper atom is a distorted square pyramid. Three nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic backbone and one oxygen atom from one methylphosphonate arm define the basal plane, and the apical coordination is accomplished via the nitrogen atom trans to the pyridine ring of the macrocycle. To achieve this geometric arrangement, the macrocycle adopts a folded conformation. This structure seems consistent with Uv-vis-NIR spectroscopy for the Ni(2+) and the Cu(2+) complexes and with the EPR for the latter.     

Formation and dissociation kinetics and crystal structures of nickel(II)-macrocyclic tetrathiaether complexes in acetonitrile. Comparison to nickel(II)-macrocyclic tetramines

Complex formation and dissociation rate constants have been independently determined for solvated nickel(II) ion reacting with eight macrocyclic tetrathiaether ligands and one acyclic analogue in acetonitrile at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.15 M. The macrocyclic ligands include 1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane ([14]aneS4) and seven derivatives in which one or both ethylene bridges have been substituted by cis- or trans-1,2-cyclohexane, while the acyclic ligand is 2,5,9,12-tetrathiatridecane (Me2-2,3,2-S4). In contrast to similar complex formation kinetic studies on Ni(II) reacting with corresponding macrocyclic tetramines in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), the kinetics of complex formation with the macrocyclic tetrathiaethers show no evidence of slow conformational changes following the initial coordination process. The differing behavior is ascribed to the fact that such conformational changes require donor atom inversion, which is readily accommodated by thiaether sulfurs but requires abstraction of a hydrogen from a nitrogen (to form a temporary amide). The latter process is not facilitated in solvents of low protophilicity. The rate-determining step in the formation reactions appears to be at the point of first-bond formation for the acyclic tetrathiaether but shifts to the point of chelate ring closure (i.e., second-bond formation) for the macrocyclic tetrathiaether complexes. The formation rate constants for Ni(II) with the macrocyclic tetrathiaethers parallel those previously obtained for Cu(II) reacting with the same ligands in 80% methanol-20% water (w/w). By contrast, the Ni(II) dissociation rate constants show significant variations from the trends in the Cu(II) behavior. Crystal structures are reported for the Ni(II) complexes formed with all five dicyclohexanediyl-substituted macrocyclic tetrathiaethers. All but one are low-spin species.     

Formation and dissociation kinetics of Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes with N2S2-macrocycles

The kinetics of the formation and dissociation of the Cu(2+) and Ni(2+) complexes with a series of N(2)S(2) macrocycles, in which the ring size and the geometry of the arrangement of the donor groups have been varied, have been measured at 25 [degree]C and I= 0.5 (KNO(3)). Both the deprotonated (L) and the monoprotonated (LH(+)) form of the ligands are reactive species in the formation step. In their deprotonated form, first bond formation, in some cases supported by an ICB effect, is rate determining, independently of the ring size. In the monoprotonated form, we find slower rates, due to the charge repulsion and/or conformation changes induced by hydrogen bonds. In contrast the mechanism of the dissociation is very dependent on the ring size. The complexes with the smaller rings react as flexible open-chain ligands directly with H(+). In contrast, the complexes with the larger rings react in a similar way as rigid ligands: first the metal amine bond slowly dissociates so that the free electron pair of the amine can take the "out conformation" and then it is protonated. The 14-membered macrocycle L(3) forms complexes in which the metal ions are ideally coordinated so that their dissociation becomes extremely slow.     

Stabilities and Redox Properties of Cu(I) and Cu(II) Complexes with Macrocyclic Ligands Containing the N2S2 donor Set

The complexation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) by a series of 12-, 14- and 16-membered macrocyclic ligands 1–6 containing the N₂S₂ donor set has been studied potentiometrically, spectrophotometrically and voltammetrically. In the case of Cu(II), mononuclear complexes CuL²⁺ with stability constants of 10¹⁰–10¹⁵ are formed. In addition, partially hydrolyzed species Cu(L)OH⁺ are observed at pH > 10 for the 12-membered ligands. For Cu(I), beside the specis CuL⁺ with stabilities of 10¹²–10¹⁴, the unexpected formation of protonated species CuLH²⁺ was detected. In contrast to the well-known general trends in coordination chemistry, the stability of these protonated species increases relative to that of the complexes with the neutral ligand when the ring size and concomitantly the distance between neighbouring donor atoms is decreased. From the stability constants of the Cu(I)- and Cu(II)-complexes the redox potentials have been calculated and are compared to the values of E^1/2 obtained by cyclic voltammetry. Despite the identical donor set the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potentials of the complexes are spanning a range of 340 mV or six orders of magnitude in relative stability, reflecting the importance of subtle differences in steric requirements.     

An x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of some nickel(II) tetraaza macrocyclic complexes

Summary X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of the Ni(2 p_{3/2, 1/2}), N(1s) and Cl(2p) core levels for seven nickel(II) tetraaza macrocyclic complexes and three related macrocycles of the basic cyclam and corrin ring structures are reported. Relative satellite intensities for the Ni(2p_3/2) level are also reported, where observed. The binding energy data for the core levels are interpreted in terms of structural features of these complexes, such as: (i) the conformation of the macrocyclic ring and the concomitant isomerism possibilities, (ii) the existence of “cluster-ions”, formed as a consequence of hydrogen bonding between macrocyclic cation and counter-ion, and (iii) the coordination number of nickel in these complexes. Additional information of chemical significance, which is derived from the binding energy data, concerns the magnetic properties of the complexes and an estimate of the degree of metal-ligand covalency.     

Electron-transfer kinetics of copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes

The electron-transfer kinetics for each of three copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes reacting with multiple reducing and oxidizing counter reagents have been examined in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M. For all of the ligands studied, an amine nitrogen serves as the bridgehead atom. Two of the ligands (PMMEA and PEMEA) contain two thioether sulfurs and one pyridyl nitrogen as donor atoms on the appended legs while the third ligand (BPEMEA) has two pyridyl nitrogens and one thioether sulfur. Very limited kinetic studies were also conducted on two additional closely related tripodal ligand complexes. The results are compared to our previous kinetic study on a Cu(II/I) system involving a tripodal ligand (TMMEA) with thioether sulfur donor atoms on all three legs. In all systems, the Cu(II/I) electron self-exchange rate constants (k(11)) are surprisingly small, ranging approximately 0.03-50 M(-)(1) s(-)(1). The results are consistent with earlier studies reported by Yandell involving the reduction of Cu(II) complexes with four similar tripodal ligand systems, and it is concluded that the dominant reaction pathway involves a metastable Cu(II)L intermediate species (designated as pathway B). Since crystal structures suggest that the ligand reorganization accompanying electron transfer is relatively small compared to our earlier studies on macrocyclic ligand complexes of Cu(II/I), it is unclear why the k(11) values for the tripodal ligand systems are of such small magnitude.     

Synthesis and properties of one-dimensional Ni(Ⅱ) and Ni(Ⅱ)Cu(Ⅱ) complexes linked by hydrogen bond

Four dithiooxalato (Dto) bridged one-dimensional Ni(ll) and Ni(ll)Cu(ll) complexes (Me6[14]dieneN4)Ni2(Dto)2) (1), (Me6[14]dieneN4)CuNi(Dto)2 (2), (Me6[14]aneN4)Ni2(Dto)2 (3), and (Me6[14]aneN4)CuNi(Dto)2(4), were synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV and ESR spectra. The crystal structure of complex 3 was determined. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 2.2425(4) nm, b = 1.0088(2) nm, c=1.4665(3) nm, β= 125.32(3)° ;Z=4; R = 0.076, Rw = 0.079. In the complex, Ni(1) coordinates four sulphur atoms of two Dto ligands in plane square environment. Ni(2) lies in the center of mac-rocyclic ligand. For Dto ligand, two sulphur atoms coordinate Ni(1), and O(1) coordinates Ni(2) and forms weak coordination bond. O(2) is linked to N(2) of macrocyclic ligand through hydrogen bond.     

Design of base metal extractants. Part 1. Inter-ligand hydrogen bonding in the assembly of pseudo-macrocyclic bis(aminosulfonamidato)M(II) complexes

Monosulfonyl derivatives of simple 1,2- and 1,3-diamines (R2HN-R-NHSO2R1 = L) have been shown to be easily deprotonated to give neutral 2:1 complexes, [M(L - H)(2)], with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II). The Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with deprotonated N-tosyl-1,2-diaminoethane have a planar N4(2-) donor set and a 14-membered pseudo-macrocyclic structure based on head-to-tail S=O...H-N((amine)) bonding between the two bidentate ligands. In the related tetrahedral Zn(II) complex the ends of the mutually perpendicular bidentate N2- units are too far apart to form a cyclic H-bonded system. X-Ray structure determinations on five free ligands provide evidence for extensive inter-molecular H-bonding, which in the case of N-tosyl-1,3-diaminopropane and its N'-tert-butyl derivative involves formation of dimeric 16-membered pseudo-macrocycles. Despite favourable inter-ligand H-bonding in the neutral 2:1 complexes, these ligands are relatively weak extractants, showing >50% loading of Cu(II) in "pH-swing" equilibria, 2L(org)+ M2+ = [M(L - H)2](org)+ 2 H+, only when the pH of the aqueous phase is raised above 4.     

SEVERAL COORDINATION MODES OF 5-AMINO-1,3,4-THIADIAZOLE-2-SULFONAMIDE (HATS) WITH Cu(II), Ni(II) AND Zn(II): MIMETIC TERNARY COMPLEXES OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE-INHIBITOR

Abstract

The coordination properties of 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide (Hats) with Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) ions, are analyzed. Although the ligand presents several donor atoms, we have only observed three coordination behaviors: (i) as a monodentate ligand through the N_sulfonamido atom, (ii) as a bridging ligand linking the metal ions through the N_sulfonamido and N_thiadizole atoms and (iii) as a bridging ligand linking metal ions through the N and O atoms of the sulfonamidate group. It is noteworthy that coordination mode (iii) is observed for the first time in heterocyclic sulfonamides complexes. In addition, the conformation of the Hats as counter-ion is analyzed and compared with the conformations that the ligand adopts in metal complexes.     

C-branched chiral (racemic) macrocyclic amino acids: structure of their Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes

A new procedure for the synthesis of macrocyclic embedded bis-α-amino acids and their use as cation-ligands is described. These compounds are able to form stable Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes as long as they have a flexible tether between the two nitrogen atoms. For a given macrocycle, the X-ray diffraction studies revealed diastereomerically pure complexes having different geometries depending on the metal ion.     

Nickel(II) complexes with different chromospheres containing macrocyclic ligands: spectroscopic and electrochemical studies

The mixed donor tetradentate (L(1)=N(2)O(2)) and pentadentate (L(2)=N(2)O(2)S) ligands have been prepared by the interaction of 1,3-diaminopropane and thiodiglycolic acid with diamine. These ligands possess two dissimilar coordination sites. Different types of complexes were obtained which have different stoichiometry depending upon the type of ligands. Their structural investigation have been based on elemental analysis, magnetic moment and spectral (ultraviolet, infrared, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectroscopy methods). The Ni(II) complexes show magnetic moments corresponding to two unpaired electrons except [Ni(L(1))](NO(3))(2) which is diamagnetic. Ligand field parameters of these complexes were compared. N(2)O(2)S donor ligand complexes show higher values of ligand field parameters, which are used to detect their geometries. The redox properties and stability of the complexes toward oxidation waves explored by cyclic voltammetry are related to the electron-withdrawing or releasing ability of the substituents of macrocyclic ligands moiety. The Ni(II) complexes displayed Ni(II)/Ni(I) couples irreversible waves associated with Ni(III)/Ni(II) process.     

Oxaaza macrocycles constructed on poly(ethylenimine) through Ni(II)-template cyclization and their metal binding

Polymeric oxaaza macrocycles (PEI-OAM) are constructed on poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) by Ni(II)-template alkylation of PEI with diethyleneglycol ditosylate. The K_f values for Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of PEI–OAM are measured at pH 3.5–10 at 25°C. At pH 7, log K_f values for these complexes are 9–15, indicating that the polymeric oxaaza macrocycles can readily reduce concentrations of these metal ions below ppb level. Metal binding ability of nonpolymeric oxaaza macrocyclic compounds reported in the literature decreases rapidly as pH is lowered below 7, whereas that of PEI–OAM decreases to lesser extents. This is attributed to the electrostatic effects exerted by the ammonium ions of PEI backbone. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 527–532, 1997.