Synthesis of an hexadentate tricyclic tetraazadiacetic ligand as precursor for MRI contrast enhancement agents

A tricyclic tetraazadiacetic compound, which is a rigidified derivative of cyclo-PCTA12 ligand with an oxo-ethylene bridge replacing an ethylene one, was prepared. The synthetic route involved the macrocyclization between an activated amido-disulfonamide and the 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine. The acetate side chains were grafted on the macrocyclic backbone to lead to the highly rigid tricyclic ligand in 34% overall yield in four steps from the linear amido-disulfonamide precursor. The corresponding Gd(III) and Mn(II) complexes were then prepared in order to evaluate their potential as contrast agent for MRI.