Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of a novel macrocylic ligand and its transition metal complexes

2,3-Dibromo-6,7,13,14,15,16,22,23-octahydro-14,15-bis-(hydroxyimino)-tribenzo [e, k, q] [ 1,4,7,10,13,16]tetraoxadiazacyclohexadecine (LH₄) was prepared by condensation of 1,2-bis-(2′-aminophenoxyethoxy)-4,5-dibromobenzene with cyanogen-di-N-oxide. Mono-, di-, and tri-nuclear transition metal complexes of this ligand ((LH₃)₂Ni, (LH₃)₂Zn, (LH₃)₂Co, (LH₃)₂Cu, (LH₃)₂Fe, (LH₃)₂(UO₂)₂(OH)₂, (LH)₂Cu₃, (LH)₂Co₃) were synthesized under basic conditions. The electrochemical properties of the mono- and dinuclear complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry in DMSO solution containing TBAP. The results showed that all redox processes are based on the metal center and the oxime ligands stabilize the Ni(III), Fe(III), Co(III), and Cu(III) species formed during oxidation. The Fe(II) and U(VI)O₂ complexes displayed a different behaviour: a reduction peak with the corresponding anodic signal during the reverse scan was observed. The oxime moiety also stabilizes U(V)O₂ which forms during the reduction process of the uranyl complex. Cu(II) was adsorbed on the electrode surface upon scanning cathodically.