A new tetraaza macrocycle functionalized with two pendant quinolinemethyl groups: synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 2,13-bis(2-quinolinemethyl)-3,14-dimethyl-2,6, 13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,01.18,07.12]docosane

The reaction of 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,01.18,07.12]docosane (L1) with 2-(chloromethyl)quinoline leads to the new macrocycle 2,13-bis(2-quinolinemethyl)-3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo [14,4,01.18,07.12]docosane (L2). The synthesis, properties and crystal structures are reported for L2, [Ni(L2)]Cl2·2H2O (1) and [Cu(L2)]Cl2·2H2O (2). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 exhibit a square–planar geometry, coordinated by four secondary and tertiary nitrogen donors of the macrocycle. The electronic spectra, redox potentials and structures of 1 and 2 are significantly affected by the presence of the N-quinolinemethyl groups.