Synthesis of the hexaamine ligand 1,4,7-tris(3-aminopropyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane: Reactivity and x-ray crystal structures of the nickel(II) and cobalt(III) complexes

The synthesis of the ligand 1,4,7-tris(3-aminopropyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane(tapacn) can be achieved by the reaction of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane with an excess of acetonitrile, followed by reduction of the nitrile with sodium metal in toluene. Halide salts of the cobalt(III)(complex A) and nickel(II)(complex B) ions have been prepared and examined by using x-ray crystallography. The crystal structures are reported. The 13C NMR spectrum of the dismagnetic d6 Co(III) complex ion is reported. A discussion of the two ligand structures deals with the ligand opening and with trigonal twist angle as related to metal ion size and mechanism for redox processes of the complex. 45 refs., 6 figs., 9 tabs