Synthesis and Characterization of New Mono-N-functionalized Tetraaza Macrocyclic Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes

The reaction of bromoacetonitrile with 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatetracyclo[$16.4.1^{2.6}.0^{1.18}.0^{7.12}$]tricosane ($L^{10}$) containing a N-$CH_2$-N linkage produces 17-cyanomethyl-3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatetracyclo-[$16.4.1^{2.6}.0^{1.18}.0^{7.12}$]tricosane ($L^{11}$). The mono-N-functionalized macrocyclic complexes $[ML^2]^{2+}$ (M = Ni(II) or Cu(II); $L^2$ = 2-cyanomethyl-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[$16.4.0.0^{7.12}$]docosane) can be prepared by the reaction of $L^{11}$ with nickel(II) or copper(II) ion in acetonitrile. The N-$CH_2CN$ group attached to $[ML^2]^{2+}$ readily reacts with water or methanol to yield the corresponding complexes of $HL^3$ bearing one N-$CH_2CONH_2$ pendant arm or $L^4$ bearing one $N-CH_2C(=NH)OCH_3$ group. The $N-CH_2CONH_2$ or $N-CH_2C(=NH)OCH_3$ group of each complex is coordinated to the central metal ion. Both $[NiL^4(H_2O)]^{2+}$ and $[CuL^4]^{2+}$ are quite stable in acidic aqueous solutions, but undergo hydrolysis to yield $[Ni(HL^3)(H_2O)]^{2+}$ or $[Cu(HL^3)]^{2+}$ in basic aqueous solutions. In contrast to $[Cu(HL^3)]^{2+}$, $[Ni(HL^3) (H_2O)]^{2+}$ is readily deprotonated to form $[NiL^3 (H_2O)]^+$ ($L^3$ = a deprotonated form of $HL^3$) in basic aqueous solutions.