Synthesis, characterisation and anti-protozoal activity of carbamate-derived polyazamacrocycles

A short, highly efficient approach for the synthesis of a novel class of polyazamacrocycles containing N-functionalised carbamate side-chains has been developed. The key steps involved a phase-transfer mediated macrocyclisation to form the ring system as well as a tin-catalysed reaction with isocyanates to introduce the carbamate side-chains. X-Ray crystallography confirmed successful formation of the 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane ring and N-functionalisation of all the amine centres. Preliminary testing of the biological activity of the compounds revealed significant anti-parasitic activity against bloodstream form African trypanosomes.