cyclam
Cyclam is a macrocyclic tetraamine ligand known scientifically as 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. It features a 14-membered ring containing four secondary amine groups that provide four nitrogen donor sites for metal binding. The ring’s preorganized geometry makes cyclam a versatile scaffold for forming stable metal complexes.
In coordination chemistry, cyclam acts as a tetradentate ligand, binding metals through its four nitrogen atoms.
Cyclam and many of its derivatives are used as ligands in inorganic and bioinorganic research, as well