Synthesis and solution thermodynamic study of rigidified and functionalised EGTA derivatives

The synthesis of a new series of EGTA (ethyleneglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid) derivatives incorporating aromatic and functionalized aromatic moieties into the oxoethylenic bridge is described. A solution thermodynamic study was carried out to determine the influence of structural modifications on the coordinating ability towards lanthanide and alkaline earth metal ions. The presence of remote functional groups on the aromatic moiety would allow the conjugation of the complexes to macromolecules or other biological targets.