Mono N-functionalization of cyclic and linear tetraamines via their tridentate tricarbonylchromium complexes

Abstract
The fac-LCr(CO)3 tridentate complexes of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane 1, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane 2, 1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane 3 and 1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane 4 have been selectively alkylated in high yield at the uncomplexed nitrogen atom, giving rise to mono N-functionalized tetraamines and bis-macrocyclic compounds.