Reactions of bis(3-aminopropyl)amine with formaldehyde in the presence of a metal ion: Preparation of a metal-free macropolycycle and a dinuclear copper(II) complex

A metal-free hexaaza macropentacyclic compound (1) and a dinuclear copper(II) complex (2 · 2H2O) have been prepared in high yield from the reaction of bis(3-aminopropyl)amine (BAPA) and formaldehyde in the presence of Ni2+ or Cu2+ ion. Interestingly, 2 · 2H2O exhibits uncommon magnetic behaviors.