A selective one-step synthesis of tris N-alkylated cyclens

A general one-step synthesis for tris N-alkylated cyclens with good yield and unprecedented selectivity is presented. Tris and 1,4-bis N-alkylated cyclens, as the only two major products are isolated. Furthermore, according to the single crystal X-ray structures of tris and 1,4-bis N-alkylated cyclen 1 and 1a, one nitrogen atom on the cyclen ring can be protonated under this reaction condition, which prevents its further alkylation, and gives rise to the regioselectivity ultimately. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.