Synthesis and complexation properties of poly(ethylene glycol)-linked mono- and bis-dioxocyclams

Both tri- and tetra(ethylene glycol) linked bis-chromium carbene complexes have been synthesized. These carbene complexes were photolyzed with N-protected imidazolines to give protected azapenams. These were transformed into polyether-linked basket dioxacyclams 4a,b and bis-dioxocyclams 5a,b. These compounds have-cavities for the complexation of both hard and soft metal ions.;The complexes of Ni, Ba, and Gd were synthesized.