POLYAZAMACROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS FOR COMPLEXATION OF METAL IONS

摘要

The present invention relates to a new polyazamacrocyclic compound or a salt thereof and its uses. The compound has for- mula (I), where x is 2, 3 or a combination of p 2(s) and q 3(s) where p+q=y; y is 3 or4; R is (CH2)Z P(=0)(R1)(OR2); R1 is R3 or OR3 where R3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; R2 is H, alkyl or a where R4 is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; and z is 1 to 3. In one important embodiment, this compound may be complexed with a metal to be a polyazamacrocyclic compound-metal com- plex having formula (II), where r is 2 or 3; and Me is a metal ion. Such complexes are useful for enhancing a magnetic res- onance image of a subject.