Lanthanide(III) Complexes with a Reinforced Cyclam Ligand Show Unprecedented Kinetic Inertness

Exploring the Limits of Ligand Rigidification in Transition Metal Complexes with Mono-N-Functionalized Pyclen Derivatives

We report the synthesis of a new family of side-bridged pyclen ligands. The incorporation of an ethylene bridge between two adjacent nitrogen atoms was reached from the pyclen-oxalate precursor described previously. Three new side-bridged pyclen macrocycles, Hsb-3-pc1a, sb-3-pc1py, and Hsb-3-pc1pa, were obtained with the aim to assess their coordination properties toward Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions. We also prepared their nonreinforced analogues H3-pc1a, 3-pc1py, and H3-pc1pa as comparative benchmarks. The two series of ligands were characterized and their coordination properties were investigated in detail. The Zn2+ and Cu2+ complexes with the nonside-bridged series H3-pc1a, 3-pc1py, and H3-pc1pa were successfully isolated and their structures were assessed by X-ray diffraction studies. In the case of the side-bridged family, the synthesis of the complexes was far more difficult and, in some cases, unsuccessful. The results of our studies demonstrate that this difficulty is related to the extreme stiffening and basicity of such side-bridged pyclens.

Endeavor toward Redox-Responsive Transition Metal Contrast Agents Based on the Cross-Bridge Cyclam Platform

We present the synthesis and characterization of a series of Mn(III), Co(III), and Ni(II) complexes with cross-bridge cyclam derivatives (CB-cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane) containing acetamide or acetic acid pendant arms. The X-ray structures of [Ni(CB-TE2AM)]Cl2·2H2O and [Mn(CB-TE1AM)(OH)](PF6)2 evidence the octahedral coordination of the ligands around the Ni(II) and Mn(III) metal ions, with a terminal hydroxide ligand being coordinated to Mn(III). Cyclic voltammetry studies on solutions of the [Mn(CB-TE1AM)(OH)]2+ and [Mn(CB-TE1A)(OH)]+ complexes (0.15 M NaCl) show an intricate redox behavior with waves due to the MnIII/MnIV and MnII/MnIII pairs. The Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes with CB-TE2A and CB-TE2AM show quasi-reversible features due to the CoIII/CoII or NiII/NiIII pairs. The [Co(CB-TE2AM)]3+ complex is readily reduced by dithionite in aqueous solution, as evidenced by 1H NMR studies, but does not react with ascorbate. The [Mn(CB-TE1A)(OH)]+ complex is however reduced very quickly by ascorbate following a simple kinetic scheme (k0 = k1[AH-], where [AH-] is the ascorbate concentration and k1 = 628 ± 7 M-1 s-1). The reduction of the Mn(III) complex to Mn(II) by ascorbate provokes complex dissociation, as demonstrated by 1H nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion studies. The [Ni(CB-TE2AM)]2+ complex shows significant chemical exchange saturation transfer effects upon saturation of the amide proton signals at 71 and 3 ppm with respect to the bulk water signal.

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Lanthanide Pyridinylphosphonic Tacn and Pyclen Derivatives: From Mononuclear Complexes to Supramolecular Heteronuclear Assemblies

Synthetic methodologies were developed to achieve the preparation of ligands L1 and L2 consisting of tacn- and pyclen-based chelators decorated with pyridinylphosphonic pendant arms combined with ethylpicolinamide or acetate coordinating functions, respectively. Phosphonate functions have been selected for their high affinity toward Ln3+ ions compared to their carboxylated counterparts and for their steric hindrance that favors the formation of less-hydrated complexes. Thanks to regiospecific N-functionalization of the macrocyclic backbones, the two ligands were isolated with good yields and implicated in a comprehensive photophysical study for the complexation of Eu3+, Tb3+, and Yb3+. The coordination behavior of L1 and L2 with these cations has been first investigated by means of a combination of UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy, and 1H and 31P NMR titration experiments. Structural characterization in solution was assessed by NMR spectroscopy, corroborated by theoretical calculations. Spectroscopic characterization of the Ln3+ complexes of L1 and L2 was done in water and D2O and showed the effective sensitization of the lanthanide metal-centered emission spectra, each exhibiting typical lanthanide emission bands. The results obtained for the phosphonated ligands were compared with those reported previously for the corresponding carboxylated analogues.

Effect of Magnetic Anisotropy on the 1H NMR Paramagnetic Shifts and Relaxation Rates of Small Dysprosium(III) Complexes

We present a detailed analysis of the 1H NMR chemical shifts and transverse relaxation rates of three small Dy(III) complexes having different symmetries (C3, D2 or C2). The complexes show sizeable emission in the visible region due to 4F9/2 → 6HJ transitions (J = 15/2 to 11/2). Additionally, NIR emission is observed at ca. 850 (4F9/2 → 6H7/2), 930 (4F9/2 → 6H5/2), 1010 (4F9/2 → 6F9/2), and 1175 nm (4F9/2 → 6F7/2). Emission quantum yields of 1-2% were determined in aqueous solutions. The emission lifetimes indicate that no water molecules are present in the inner coordination sphere of Dy(III), which in the case of [Dy(CB-TE2PA)]+ was confirmed through the X-ray crystal structure. The 1H NMR paramagnetic shifts induced by Dy(III) were found to be dominated by the pseudocontact mechanism, though, for some protons, contact shifts are not negligible. The analysis of the pseudocontact shifts provided the magnetic susceptibility tensors of the three complexes, which were also investigated using CASSCF calculations. The transverse 1H relaxation data follow a good linear correlation with 1/r6, where r is the distance between the Dy(III) ion and the observed proton. This indicates that magnetic anisotropy is not significantly affecting the relaxation of 1H nuclei in the family of complexes investigated here.

Design of Bifunctional Pyclen-Based Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes for Targeted Two-Photon Imaging

In the past, Lanthanide Luminescent Bioprobes (LLBs) based on pyclen-bearing π-extended picolinate antennas were synthesized and demonstrated well-adapted optical properties for biphotonic microscopy. The objective of this work is to develop a strategy to design bifunctional analogues of the previously studied LLBs presenting an additional reactive chemical group to allow their coupling to biological vectors to reach deep in vivo targeted two-photon bioimaging. Herein, we elaborated a synthetic scheme allowing the introduction of a primary amine on the para position of the macrocyclic pyridine unit. The photophysical and bioimaging studies demonstrate that the introduction of the reactive function does not alter the luminescent properties of the LLBs paving the way for further applications.

Rigidified Derivative of the Non-macrocyclic Ligand H4OCTAPA for Stable Lanthanide(III) Complexation

The stability constants of lanthanide complexes with the potentially octadentate ligand CHXOCTAPA^4–, which contains a rigid 1,2-diaminocyclohexane scaffold functionalized with two acetate and two picolinate pendant arms, reveal the formation of stable complexes [log K_LaL = 17.82(1) and log K_YbL = 19.65(1)]. Luminescence studies on the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ analogues evidenced rather high emission quantum yields of 3.4 and 11%, respectively. The emission lifetimes recorded in H₂O and D₂O solutions indicate the presence of a water molecule coordinated to the metal ion. ¹H nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles and ¹⁷O NMR chemical shift and relaxation measurements point to a rather low water exchange rate of the coordinated water molecule (k_ex²⁹⁸ = 1.58 × 10⁶ s^–1) and relatively high relaxivities of 5.6 and 4.5 mM^–1 s^–1 at 20 MHz and 25 and 37 °C, respectively. Density functional theory calculations and analysis of the paramagnetic shifts induced by Yb³⁺ indicate that the complexes adopt an unprecedented cis geometry with the two picolinate groups situated on the same side of the coordination sphere. Dissociation kinetics experiments were conducted by investigating the exchange reactions of LuL occurring with Cu²⁺. The results confirmed the beneficial effect of the rigid cyclohexyl group on the inertness of the Lu³⁺ complex. Complex dissociation occurs following proton- and metal-assisted pathways. The latter is relatively efficient at neutral pH, thanks to the formation of a heterodinuclear hydroxo complex.

A non-macrocyclic ligand containing a rigid cyclohexyl spacer forms thermodynamically stable complexes with the lanthanide(III) ions in aqueous solution. The complexes also show remarkable kinetic inertness, though a structural change facilitates dissociation through the metal-assisted mechanism for the small lanthanides. The Gd(III) complex displays a relatively high relaxivity due to the presence of a water molecule coordinated to the metal ion, while the Eu(III) and Tb(III) analogues display strong metal-centered luminescence.

Exploiting the Fluxionality of Lanthanide Complexes in the Design of Paramagnetic Fluorine Probes

Fluorine-19 MRI is increasingly being considered as a tool for biomolecular imaging, but the very poor sensitivity of this technique has limited most applications. Previous studies have long established that increasing the sensitivity of ¹⁹F molecular probes requires increasing the number of fluorine nuclei per probe as well as decreasing their longitudinal relaxation time. The latter is easily achieved by positioning the fluorine atoms in close proximity to a paramagnetic metal ion such as a lanthanide(III). Increasing the number of fluorine atoms per molecule, however, is only useful inasmuch as all of the fluorine nuclei are chemically equivalent. Previous attempts to achieve this equivalency have focused on designing highly symmetric and rigid fluorinated macrocyclic ligands. A much simpler approach consists of exploiting highly fluxional lanthanide complexes with open coordination sites that have a high affinity for phosphated and phosphonated species. Computational studies indicate that Ln^III-TREN-MAM is highly fluxional, rapidly interconverting between at least six distinct isomers. In neutral water at room temperature, Ln^III-TREN-MAM binds two or three equivalents of fluorinated phosphonates. The close proximity of the ¹⁹F nuclei to the Ln^III center in the ternary complex decreases the relaxation times of the fluorine nuclei up to 40-fold. Advantageously, the fluorophosphonate-bound lanthanide complex is also highly fluxional such that all ¹⁹F nuclei are chemically equivalent and display a single ¹⁹F signal with a small LIS. Dynamic averaging of fluxional fluorinated supramolecular assemblies thus produces effective ¹⁹F MR systems.

Excited State Properties of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with a Nonadentate Bispidine Ligand

EuIII , TbIII , GdIII and YbIII complexes of the nonadentate bispidine derivative L2 (bispidine=3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) were successfully synthesized and their emission properties studied. The X-ray crystallography reveals full encapsulation by the nonadentate ligand L2 that enforces to all LnIII cations a common highly symmetrical capped square antiprismatic (CSAPR) coordination geometry (pseudo C4v symmetry). The well-resolved identical emission spectra in solid state and in solution confirm equal structures in both media. As therefore expected, this results in long-lived excited states and high emission quantum yields ([EuIII L2 ]+ , H2 O, 298 K, τ=1.51 ms, ϕ=0.35; [TbIII L2 ]+ , H2 O, 298 K, τ=1.95 ms, ϕ=0.68). Together with the very high kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities, these complexes are a possible basis for interesting biological probes.

Electron transfer pathways in photoexcited lanthanide(iii) complexes of picolinate ligands

A series of luminescent lanthanide(iii) complexes consisting of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane frameworks and three secondary amide-linked carbostyril antennae were synthesised. The metal binding sites were augmented with two pyridylcarboxylate donors yielding octadentate ligands. The antennae carried methyl, methoxymethyl or trifluoromethyl substituents in their 4-positions, allowing for a range of excited state energies and antenna electronic properties. The ¹H NMR spectra of the Eu(iii) complexes were found to be analogous to each other. Similar results were obtained in the solid-state by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, which showed the structures to have nine-coordinate metal ions with heavily distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic geometries. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy showed that the antennae could sensitize both Tb(iii) and Eu(iii), however, quantum yields were lower than in other octadentate complexes lacking pyridylcarboxylate. Complexes with more electron-poor pyridines were less emissive even when equipped with the same antenna. The oxidation and reduction potentials of the antennae and the pyridinecarboxylates, respectively, were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The obtained values were consistent with electron transfer from the excited antenna to the pyridine providing a previously unexplored quenching pathway that could efficiently compete with energy transfer to the lanthanide. These results show the crucial impact that photophysically innocent ligand binding sites can have on lanthanide luminescence.

A different approach: highly encapsulating macrocycles being used as organic tectons in the building of CPs

For the first time, the cross-bridged cyclam unit is used as an organic tecton to build coordination polymers.

Formation of Heteropolynuclear Lanthanide Complexes Using Macrocyclic Phosphonated Cyclam-Based Ligands

Ligands L₁ and L₂, respectively based on a cyclam and a cross-bridged cyclam scaffold functionalized at N1 and N8 by 6-phosphonic-2-methylene pyridyl groups, are described. While complexation of lanthanide (Ln) cations with L₂ was not possible, a family of complexes has been prepared with L₁, of the general formulae [LnL₁H₂]Cl (Ln³⁺ = Lu, Tb, Yb) or [LnL₁H] (Ln³⁺ = Eu). The solution, structural, potentiometric, and photophysical data for these novel ligands and their complexes have been investigated, including a solid-state study by X-ray diffraction (L₁, L₂, and [EuL₁H]), ¹H NMR complexation investigations (Lu³⁺), as well as UV-vis absorption and luminescence spectroscopy in water and D₂O (pH ≈ 7). L₁ forms 1:1 metal-ligand stoichiometric octadentate complexes in solution. Importantly, the pyridyl phosphonate functions are capable of simultaneous chelation to the metal center and of interaction with a second metal center. ¹H NMR (Lu³⁺) and spectrophotometric titrations of the isolated [TbL₁]^- complex by EuCl₃ salts demonstrated the formation of high-order (hetero)polymetallic species in aqueous solution (H₂O, pH = 7). Global analysis of the luminescence titration experiment points to the formation of 4:1, 3:1, and 3:2 [TbL₁]/Eu heteropolynuclear assemblies, exhibiting a strong preference to forming [TbL₁]₃Eu₂ at increased europium concentrations, with energy transfer occurring between the kinetically inert terbium complex and added europium cations.

Cross-Bridged Cyclam with Phosphonate and Phosphinate Pendant Arms: Chelators for Copper Radioisotopes with Fast Complexation

Cross-bridged cyclam derivatives bearing two phosphonate (H₄L¹), bis(phosphinate) (H₄L²), or phosphinate (H₂L³) pendant arms were synthesized and studied with respect to their application as copper radioisotope carriers in nuclear medicine. The ligands show high macrocycle basicity (pK₁ > 14) and high Cu(II) complex stability (log K = 20-24). The complexation and dissociation kinetics of the Cu(II) complexes were studied by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Phosphonate Cu(II)-H₄L¹ and bis(phosphinate) Cu(II)-H₄L² complexes form very quickly, reaching quantitative formation within 1 s at pH ∼6 and millimolar concentrations. Conversely, the formation of the phosphinate complex Cu(II)-H₂L³ is much slower (9 min at pH ∼6) due to the low stability of the out-of-cage reaction intermediate. All studied complexes are highly kinetically inert, showing half-lives of 120, 11, and 111 h for Cu(II)-H₄L¹, Cu(II)-H₄L², and Cu(II)-H₂L³ complexes, respectively, in 1 M HClO₄ at 90 °C. The high thermodynamic stability, fast formation, and extreme kinetic inertness of Cu(II) complexes indicate that phosphonate and bis(phosphinate) derivatives are promising ligands for nuclear medicine.

Pyclen-Based Ln(III) Complexes as Highly Luminescent Bioprobes for In Vitro and In Vivo One- and Two-Photon Bioimaging Applications

In addition to the already described ligand L^4a, two pyclen-based lanthanide chelators, L^4b and L^4c, bearing two specific picolinate two-photon antennas (tailor-made for each targeted metal) and one acetate arm arranged in a dissymmetrical manner, have been synthesized, to form a complete family of lanthanide luminescent bioprobes: [EuL^4a], [SmL^4a], [YbL^4b], [TbL^4c], and [DyL^4c]. Additionally, the symmetrically arranged regioisomer L^4a' was also synthesized as well as its [EuL^4a'] complex to highlight the astonishing positive impact of the dissymmetrical N-distribution of the functional chelating arms. The investigation clearly shows the high performance of each bioprobe, which, depending on the complexed lanthanide, could be used in various applications. Each presents high brightness, quantum yields, and lifetimes. Staining of the complexes into living human breast cancer cells was observed. In addition, in vivo two-photon microscopy was performed for the first time on a living zebrafish model with [EuL^4a]. No apparent toxicity was detected on the growth of the zebrafish, and images of high quality were obtained.

Macrocyclic Pyclen-Based Gd3+ Complex with High Relaxivity and pH Response

We report the synthesis and characterization of the macrocyclic ligand 2,2'-((2-(3,9-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,6,9-triaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane-6-yl)ethyl)azanediyl)diacetic acid (H₄L) and several of its complexes with lanthanide ions. The structure of the free ligand was determined using X-ray diffraction measurements. Two N atoms of the pyclen moiety in the trans position are protonated in the solid state, together with the exocyclic N atom and one of the carboxylate groups of the ligand. The relaxivity of the Gd³⁺ complex was found to increase from 6.7 mM^-1 s^-1 at pH 8.6 to 8.5 mM^-1 s^-1 below pH ≈ 6.0. Luminescence lifetime measurements recorded from H₂O and D₂O solutions of the Eu³⁺ complex evidence the presence of a single complex species in solution at low pH (∼5.0) that contains two inner-sphere water molecules. DFT calculations suggest that the coordination environment of the Ln³⁺ ion is fulfilled by the four N atoms of the pyclen unit, two oxygen atoms of the macrocyclic acetate groups, and an oxygen atom of an exocyclic carboxylate group. The two inner-sphere water molecules complete coordination number nine around the metal ion. At high pH (∼9.3), the lifetime of the excited ⁵D₀ level of Eu³⁺ displays a biexponential behavior that can be attributed to the presence of two species in solution with hydration numbers of q = 0 and q = 1. The ¹H NMR and DOSY spectra recorded from solutions of the Eu³⁺ and Y³⁺ complexes reveal a structural change triggered by pH and the formation of small aggregates at high pH values.

Oxyaapa: A Picolinate-Based Ligand with Five Oxygen Donors that Strongly Chelates Lanthanides

Coordination compounds of the lanthanide ions (Ln³⁺) have important applications in medicine due to their photophysical, magnetic, and nuclear properties. To effectively use the Ln³⁺ ions for these applications, chelators that stably bind them in vivo are required to prevent toxic side effects that arise from localization of these ions in off-target tissue. In this study, two new picolinate-containing chelators, a heptadentate ligand OxyMepa and a nonadentate ligand Oxyaapa, were prepared, and their coordination chemistries with Ln³⁺ ions were thoroughly investigated to evaluate their suitability for use in medicine. Protonation constants of these chelators and stability constants for their Ln³⁺ complexes were evaluated. Both ligands exhibit a thermodynamic preference for small Ln³⁺ ions. The log K_LuL = 12.21 and 21.49 for OxyMepa and Oxyaapa, respectively, indicating that the nonadentate Oxyaapa forms complexes of significantly higher stability than the heptadentate OxyMepa. X-ray crystal structures of the Lu³⁺ complexes were obtained, revealing that Oxyaapa saturates the coordination sphere of Lu³⁺, whereas OxyMepa leaves an additional open coordination site for a bound water ligand. Solution structural studies carried out with NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of two possible conformations for these ligands upon Ln³⁺ binding. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to probe the geometries and energies of these conformations. Energy differences obtained by DFT are small but consistent with experimental data. The photophysical properties of the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes were characterized, revealing modest photoluminescent quantum yields of <2%. Luminescence lifetime measurements were carried out in H₂O and D₂O, showing that the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes of OxyMepa have two inner-sphere water ligands, whereas the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes of Oxyaapa have zero. Lastly, variable-temperature ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy was performed for the Gd-OxyMepa complex to determine its water exchange rate constant of k_ex²⁹⁸ = (2.8 ± 0.1) × 10⁶ s^-1. Collectively, this comprehensive characterization of these Ln³⁺ chelators provides valuable insight for their potential use in medicine and garners additional understanding of ligand design strategies.

Metal–organic frameworks with solvent-free lanthanide coordination environments: synthesis from aqueous ethanol solutions

Twelve MOFs with a solvent-free environment of Ln³⁺ cations were obtained through solution synthesis in the presence of cluster anions.

Reactivities of cyclam derivatives with metal–amyloid-β

New examples of azamacrocyclic metal chelators that modulate the interactions between metal ions and Aβ and the reactivities of metal–Aβ were developed under criteria based on structural and functional variations on the backbone of Cyclam.

Gadolinium Complexes of Highly Rigid, Open-Chain Ligands Containing a Cyclobutane Ring in the Backbone: Decreasing Ligand Denticity Might Enhance Kinetic Inertness

In an effort to explore novel ligand scaffolds for stable and inert lanthanide complexation in magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent research, three chiral ligands containing a highly rigid (1S,2S)-1,2-cyclobutanediamine spacer and different number of acetate and picolinate groups were efficiently synthesized. Potentiometric studies show comparable thermodynamic stability for the Gd³⁺ complexes formed with either the octadentate (L3)^4- bearing two acetate or two picolinate groups or the heptadentate (L2)^4- analogue bearing one picolinate and three acetate groups (log K_GdL = 17.41 and 18.00 for [Gd(L2)]^- and [Gd(L3)]^-, respectively). In contrast, their dissociation kinetics is revealed to be very different: the monohydrated [Gd(L3)]^- is considerably more labile, as a result of the significant kinetic activity of the protonated picolinate function, as compared to the bishydrated [Gd(L2)]^-. This constitutes an uncommon example in which lowering ligand denticity results in a remarkable increase in kinetic inertness. Another interesting observation is that the rigid ligand backbone induces an unusually strong contribution of the spontaneous dissociation to the overall decomplexation process. Thanks to the presence of two inner-sphere water molecules, [Gd(L2)]^- is endowed with high relaxivity (r₁ = 7.9 mM^-1 s^-1 at 20 MHz, 25 °C), which is retained in the presence of large excess of endogenous anions, excluding ternary complex formation. The water exchange rate is similar for [Gd(L3)]^- and [Gd(L2)]^-, while it is 1 order of magnitude higher for the trishydrated tetraacetate analogue [Gd(L1)]^- (k_ex²⁹⁸ = 8.1, 10, and 127 × 10⁶ s^-1, respectively). A structural analysis via density functional theory calculations suggests that the large bite angle imposed by the rigid (1S,2S)-1,2-cyclobutanediamine spacer could allow the design of ligands based on this scaffold with suitable properties for the coordination of larger metal ions with biomedical applications.

Ligand design strategies to increase stability of gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

Gadolinium(III) complexes have been widely utilised as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for decades. In recent years however, concerns have developed about their toxicity, believed to derive from demetallation of the complexes in vivo, and the relatively large quantities of compound required for a successful scan. Recent efforts have sought to enhance the relaxivity of trivalent gadolinium complexes without sacrificing their stability. This review aims to examine the strategic design of ligands synthesised for this purpose, provide an overview of recent successes in gadolinium-based contrast agent development and assess the requirements for clinical translation.

Chemistry of MRI Contrast Agents: Current Challenges and New Frontiers

Tens of millions of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams are performed annually around the world. The contrast agents, which improve diagnostic accuracy, are almost exclusively small, hydrophilic gadolinium(III) based chelates. In recent years concerns have arisen surrounding the long-term safety of these compounds, and this has spurred research into alternatives. There has also been a push to develop new molecularly targeted contrast agents or agents that can sense pathological changes in the local environment. This comprehensive review describes the state of the art of clinically approved contrast agents, their mechanism of action, and factors influencing their safety. From there we describe different mechanisms of generating MR image contrast such as relaxation, chemical exchange saturation transfer, and direct detection and the types of molecules that are effective for these purposes. Next we describe efforts to make safer contrast agents either by increasing relaxivity, increasing resistance to metal ion release, or by moving to gadolinium(III)-free alternatives. Finally we survey approaches to make contrast agents more specific for pathology either by direct biochemical targeting or by the design of responsive or activatable contrast agents.

Spin crossover Fe(ii) complexes of a cross-bridged cyclam derivative

A cross-bridged cyclam derivative containing two 2-pyridylmethyl pendant arms (L = 4,11-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraaza-bicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane) was synthesized by dialkylation of the cross-bridged cyclam with 2-chloromethylpyridine. A series of Fe(ii) complexes with L and different counter-anions of the formulas [Fe(L)][FeCl4]·H2O (1·H2O), [Fe(L)]Cl2·4H2O (2·4H2O), [Fe(L)](BF4)2·0.5CH3CN (3·0.5CH3CN) and [Fe(L)](BPh4)2·CH3OH (4·CH3OH) was prepared and thoroughly characterized. In all the cases, the [Fe(L)]2+ cation adopts a cis-V configuration with a distorted octahedral geometry, and with the FeN6 donor set. The magnetic measurements within the temperature interval of 5-400 K revealed the spin crossover (SCO) behaviour of all the complexes with the transition temperature T1/2 increasing with the counter anion in the order BF4- (3) < [FeCl4]2- (1) < BPh4- (4). However, the SCO process was complete in the case of compound 3 only, with T1/2 = 177 K, which proceeded after removal of co-crystallized CH3CN molecules accompanied by a change of the crystallographic phase. The SCO behaviour of 3 was also confirmed by a single crystal X-ray analysis providing the average Fe-N distances of 2.086 Å at 120 K and 2.197 Å at 293 K typical of low-spin, and high-spin FeII complexes, respectively. The obtained results clearly showed that the nature of the counter anion and the presence/absence of co-crystallized solvent molecule(s) significantly affected the temperature as well as the abruptness of the spin transition. This is the first report of SCO behaviour observed for iron complexes containing a cross-bridged cyclam derivative.

Chiral DOTA chelators as an improved platform for biomedical imaging and therapy applications

Despite established clinical utilisation, there is an increasing need for safer, more inert gadolinium-based contrast agents, and for chelators that react rapidly with radiometals. Here we report the syntheses of a series of chiral DOTA chelators and their corresponding metal complexes and reveal properties that transcend the parent DOTA compound. We incorporated symmetrical chiral substituents around the tetraaza ring, imparting enhanced rigidity to the DOTA cavity, enabling control over the range of stereoisomers of the lanthanide complexes. The Gd chiral DOTA complexes are shown to be orders of magnitude more inert to Gd release than [GdDOTA]⁻. These compounds also exhibit very-fast water exchange rates in an optimal range for high field imaging. Radiolabeling studies with (Cu-64/Lu-177) also demonstrate faster labelling properties. These chiral DOTA chelators are alternative general platforms for the development of stable, high relaxivity contrast agents, and for radiometal complexes used for imaging and/or therapy.

MRI contrast agents containing the rare earth metal gadolinium are very effective, yet unstable and thus potentially hazardous. Here, the authors developed complexes between gadolinium and the scaffolding compound DOTA with increased stability, which also lend themselves to radiometal labelling.

Composed in the f-block: solution structure and function of kinetically inert lanthanide(iii) complexes

An induction to the wonders of lanthanides, and a call for standardised methods for characterisation of lanthanide complexes in solution.

Cyclam te1pa for64Cu PET imaging. Bioconjugation to antibody, radiolabeling and preclinical application in xenografted colorectal cancer

te1pa conjugated to an F6 antibody was confirmed to be an interesting alternative to dota for⁶⁴Cuin vivoPET imaging.

The role of the capping bond effect on pyclen natY3+/90Y3+ chelates: full control of the regiospecific N-functionalization makes the difference

A dissymmetric pyclen based ligand shows astonishing ^natY³⁺ and ⁹⁰Y³⁺ complexation properties.

The Relationship between NMR Chemical Shifts of Thermally Polarized and Hyperpolarized 89 Y Complexes and Their Solution Structures

Recently developed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) technology offers the potential of increasing the NMR sensitivity of even rare nuclei for biological imaging applications. Hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y is an ideal candidate because of its narrow NMR linewidth, favorable spin quantum number (I=1/2 ), and long longitudinal relaxation times (T₁ ). Strong NMR signals were detected in hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y samples of a variety of yttrium complexes. A dataset of ⁸⁹ Y NMR data composed of 23 complexes with polyaminocarboxylate ligands was obtained using hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y measurements or ¹ H,⁸⁹ Y-HMQC spectroscopy. These data were used to derive an empirical equation that describes the correlation between the ⁸⁹ Y chemical shift and the chemical structure of the complexes. This empirical correlation serves as a guide for the design of ⁸⁹ Y sensors. Relativistic (DKH2) DFT calculations were found to predict the experimental ⁸⁹ Y chemical shifts to a rather good accuracy.

Water-Soluble and Highly Luminescent Europium(III) Complexes with Favorable Photostability and Sensitive pH Response Behavior

Two highly luminescent and water-soluble Eu(III) complexes, Eu1 and Eu2, based on novel carboxyl-functionalized 1,5-naphthyridine derivatives 8-hydroxy-1,5-naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid (H₂L1) and 7-cyano-8-hydroxy-1,5-naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid (H₂L2), respectively, are designed and synthesized. The crystal structure of Eu2 indicates that the central Eu(III) ion is nine-coordinated by three tridentate ligands (O^N^O). Both Eu1 and Eu2 show strong luminescence in aqueous solution with quantum yields (lifetimes) of 28% (1.1 ms) and 14% (0.76 ms), respectively. The chelates display unique UV-light stability in solution and remain highly emissive after 100 min of strong UV irradiation (∼300 W·m^-2 at 345 nm). Moreover, they exhibit reversible luminescence intensity changes with varied pH values, and the response mechanism is investigated. "Turn-on" of the Eu(III) emission upon increasing pH is realized by ligand structure change from keto to enol anion form, resulting in red-shifted absorption band and suppressed quenching from solvents and N-H vibration upon deprotonating. The results show that these novel Eu(III) complexes are quite intriguing for potential application as bioimaging agents and pH probes.