A straightforward and convenient pathway for the synthesis of functional bismacrocyclic ligands

The synthesis of a novel DO3A-based bismacrocyclic ligand is reported. The synthetic pathway involved a series of simple and convenient steps, which can easily provide the desired product in larger quantities than produced in current synthetic procedures. This method enables the facile preparation of binuclear macrocyclic complexes which can be used in MRI, as well as other molecular imaging modalities.