Metal-ion selectivity produced by C-alkyl substituents on the bridges of chelating ligands: the importance of short H-H nonbonded van der Waals contacts in controlling metal-ion selectivity. A thermodynamic, molecular mechanics, and crystallographic study.

The effect on metal-ion selectivity of the use of cyclohexenyl bridges in ligands in place of ethylene bridges is examined (selectivity is defined as the difference in log K1 for one metal ion relative to that of another with the same ligand). The syntheses of N,N'-bis(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (Cy2-en), N,N'-bis(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane-1,3-diamine (Cy2-tn), and 1,7-bis(2-hydroxycyclohexyl)-1,4,7-triazaheptane (Cy2-dien) are reported. The crystal structures of [Cu(Cy2-tn)(H2O)](ClO4)2 (1) and [Cu(Cy2-dien)](ClO4)2 (2) are reported.