CHELANTS AS CONTRAST ENHANCING AGENTS

摘要

The present invention provides a polychelant compound of formula (VII), (wherein each X which may be the same or different is NZ, O or S, at least two Xs being NZ; B is (CR1Y) or -N(CR12Y)-; each Z is a group R1 or a group CR12Y, at least one Z being a group CR12Y; each Y is a group CO2H, PO3H, SO3H, CONR12, CON(OR1)R1, CNS or CONR1NR12; m is 0 or 1 or 2; each n is 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1 when B is (CR1Y) and 2 when B is N(CR12Y); p is an integer having a value of at least 2; each R1 which may be the same or different is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy or alkoxy groups, or two R1 groups on ring atoms or in Z groups together represent a linker group L; each L which may be the same or different represents a bond or an organic linker group having a molecular weight of less than 1000 and salts and chelates thereof. These compounds, especially the di- and trichelates with paramagnetic or heavy metal ions are especially useful as diagnostic imaging contrast agents.