An Investigation into Alkenyl-Functionalized 1,4,7-Triazacyclononanes: Synthesis, Metal Complexation, and Attempted Olefin Metathesis

Abstract

Two triazacyclononanes bearing pendant alkenyl groups [1,4,7-tri(3-butenyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and 1,4,7-tri(2-propenyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane] were synthesized. These triazacyclononanes reacted with nickel salts to form dinuclear complexes [(R₃TACN)Ni(μ-Cl)₃Ni(R₃TACN)]⁺, various salts of which have been structurally characterized. Attempts to perform intramolecular olefin metathesis reactions on the pendant alkenes in these complexes were unsuccessful.