Synthesis and metal-ion binding properties of new N2S4- and N2S5-donor macrocycles

Synthetic procedures for new N₂S₄- and N₂S₅-donor macrocycles (2 and 4) were given. The ligands were prepared by the reaction of NaBH₄ with the appropriate macrocyclic diamide in the presence of boron trifluoride ethyl etherate in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF). Solvent extraction method was used to evaluate metal-ion binding properties of the new ligands. The solvent extraction experiments suggested that the reduced macrocycles have Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ selectivities compared to Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions. The extraction constants (log K _ex) and complex compositions were determined for Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ complex of compound (4).