Synthesis and structure of the methylated tren derivative N,N,N-tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride trihydrochloride

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the new tren derivative N,N,N-tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride trihydrochloride are detailed. The compound was synthesized by methylation of tris(2-phthalimidoethyl) amine using dimethyl sulfate followed by acid deprotection. N,N,N-Tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride trihydrochloride crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3) and the X-ray crystal structure reveals one-dimensional chains of cations extensively hydrogen-bonded to two different types of chloride counter ions, one of which exhibits a coordination number of nine. The cation is a poor ligand towards both Co-III and Ni-II.