Synthesis, structural studies, and oxidation catalysis of the manganese(II), iron(II), and copper(II) complexes of a 2-pyridylmethyl pendant armed side-bridged cyclam.

The first 2-pyridylmethyl pendant armed structurally reinforced cyclam ligand has been synthesized and successfully complexed to Mn, Fe, and Cu cations. X-ray crystal structures were obtained for the diprotonated ligand and its Cu complex demonstrating pentadentate binding of the ligand with configuration of the side-bridged cyclam ring, leaving a potential labile binding site to the pyridine donor for interaction of the complex with oxidants and/or substrates. The electronic properties of these complexes were determined by means of solid state magnetic moment, with a low value of μ = 3.