Synthesis and characterisation of bis-cyclen based dinuclear lanthanide complexes

The design and synthesis of several bis-macrocyclic cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) ligands and their corresponding lanthanum or europium complexes is described; these dinuclear lanthanide systems were made by connecting two macrocyclic cyclen moieties through a rigid, covalent, p-xylylenediamide bridge or a flexible aliphatic hexane bridge. These ligands were subsequently functionalised with six acetamide pendant arms (CONR1R2: R1 = R2 = H or CH3, or R1 = H, R2 = CH3). The corresponding lanthanide bis-complexes were then formed by reaction with La(III) and Eu(III) triflates, yielding overall cationic (+VI charged) complexes.