The preparation and characterisation of chromium(III) complexes of C-meso-5, 12-dimethyl-1, 4, 8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (LM). Aquation and base hydrolysis kinetics ofcis- andtrans-[CrLMCl2]+

Summary The reaction of CrCl₃(DMF)₃] with C-meso-5, 12-dimethyl-1, 4, 8, 11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane(L_M) in DMF gives a mixture ofcis-CrL_MCl₂]Cl (ca. 90%) andtrans-CrL_MCl₂]Cl (ca. 10%). These complexes are readily separated, as thecis-isomer is insoluble in warm methanol while thetrans-isomer is soluble. Using the dichlorocomplexes as precursors it has been possible to prepare a range ofcis-CrL_MX₂]⁺ complexes (X=Br^–, NO ₃ ^– , N ₃ ^– , NCS^– and X₂=bidentate oxalate) and alsotrans-CrL_MX₂]⁺ complexes (X=Br^–, H₂O or NCS^–). The spectroscopic properties and detailed stereochemistry of the complexes are discussed.The aquation and base hydrolysis kinetics ofcis- andtrans-CrL_MCl₂]⁺ have been studied at 25° C. Base hydrolysis of thecis-complex is extremely rapid with K_OH =1.46×10⁵ dm³ mol^–1 at 25° C. This unusual reactivity appears to be associated with thetrans II stereochemistry of thesec-NH centres of the macrocycle. Base hydrolysis of thetrans complex with thetrans III chiral nitrogen stereochemistry is quite normal with k_OH =1.1 dm³ mol^–1 s^–1 at 25° C.