Reactions of bis(3-aminopropyl)amine with formaldehyde in the presence of a metal ion: Preparation of a metal-free macropolycycle and a dinuclear copper(II) complex

The reaction of bis(3-aminopropyl)amine with excess formaldehyde in the presence of Ni2+ ion produces the macropentacyclic compound L1(ClO4)2 (1) L1 = 1,3,7,11,13,17- hexaazapentacyclo[15.3.1.13.7.17.13.113.17]tetracosane). The dinuclear complex [Cu2(L2)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (2) (HL1 = 1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-diazacyclohexane) as well as 1 can be prepared by the condensation reaction in the presence of Cu2+ ion. Interestingly, 2 · 2H2O exhibits uncommon magnetic behavior.