Synthetic Approach to N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis[(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine] (TPEN) Derivatives through Ruthenium-Catalyzed-[2+2+2]cycloaddition

Abstract

Hydrophobic TPEN (N,N,N',N'-tetrakispyridylmethyl-1,2-ethylenediamine) derivatives are prepared by [2+2+2]cycloaddition of 1,-diyne and bromoacetonitrile leading to bromomethylpyridine and following reaction of 1,2-ethylenediamine. The obtained TPEN derivatives are employed for extraction of a soft metal ion such as cadmium(II).