Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry of 3,4-Ethylene-Bridged 1,1,2,5-Tetrasubstituted Biguanides

The synthesis of 3,4-ethylene-bridged 1,1,2,5-tetrasubstituted biguanides is reported, which are accessible by three alternative routes. Exemplary molecular structures of the ligand and an observed side product have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Mono- and dinuclear complexes of the biguanide in both its neutral and monoanionic forms were obtained, including examples of aluminum, copper, magnesium, potassium, tin, and zinc, indicating a versatile coordination behavior, as evidenced by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.