Reactivity and Function of Macrocyclic Metal Complexes

Abstract

The introduction of side chains into tetraazamacrocycles allows the preparation of metal complexes with functional properties. On the one hand donor groups at the end of the side chain can be used to control the coordination geometry of the metal ion. On the other hand reactive groups can be incorporated into the side chain and their reactivity can be enhanced by the fact that the group comes close to the metal ion (metal ion induced reaction). Finally the side chain can be used to covalently attach macrocyclic metal complexes to antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in nuclear medicine.