Incorporation of peptide bonds in the synthesis of polyazamacrocyclic complexes

Summary A new series of 15- and 16-membered dioxotetraamine macrocyclic complexes, ML¹X₂] and ML²X₂] (M = Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II or Zn^II; X = Cl or NO₃), respectively, were prepared by reacting o-aminobenzoic acid, diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane with 2,4-pentanedione in the presence of metal ions. The complexes were identified by analytical data, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r., e.p.r. and u.v.-vis. spectroscopies, and by conductivity and magnetic moment measurements. They exhibit an octahedral geometry leaving the peptide oxygen uncoordinated. They are air stable and insoluble in water and most organic solvents, but soluble in DMSO and DMF. The low conductivity suggests that the complexes are non-ionic.