Synthesis of a nitrogen mustard ligand on a cobalt(III) metal centre

N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (heen) can be coordinated to give a single diastereoisomer of (OC-6–12′)-[Co(heen)2(NO2)2](NO3), one of many possible isomers, which has been crystallographically characterised. The pendant alcohol groups can be then converted to the related alkyl halide. This represents a way of preparing a complex of a mustard ligand without having to prepare or handle the mustard itself.

Graphical abstractA complex of a mustard ligand has been prepared without having to prepare or handle the mustard itself. One of numerous possible diastereisomers was formed and structurally characterised as a racemate.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide