Department Chair

M. Scott Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry

Date of Award

5-2016

Access Control

Campus-Only Access

Degree Name

Forensic Science, M.S.

Department

Chemistry Department

Advisor

M. Scott Goodman, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Chemistry

Department Home page

http://chemistry.buffalostate.edu

First Reader

M. Scott Goodman, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Chemistry

Second Reader

William Durfee, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry

Third Reader

Jinseok Heo, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry

Abstract

Gadolinium is the element typically used for MRI contrast agents, which are sometimes injected prior to performing an MRI. The element accumulates in inflamed areas, which indicates where there may be an infection or a tumor. However, gadolinium is more toxic to the body than preferred and the potential long-term effects have been studied in individuals who experience health issues.

Complexes containing metal ions that are naturally occurring have been proposed to replace gadolinium use. Complexing a metal ion (i.e. copper(II) or iron(II)) to a macrocyclic ligand that has a high water exchange rate would potentially be able to replicate gadolinium–based dye conditions while also having a higher excretion rate and lower toxicity. A research project was proposed based on the findings of Morrow and co-workers that an iron-containing complex could function as a PARACEST MRI contrast agent.

Tetraazamacrocyclic ligands such as cyclam and cyclen are useful macrocyclic ligands for new research in drug therapy and imaging techniques. The addition of pyrazole pendant arms has been proposed as a possible option to improve their ligating properties. Appending these groups to the tetraazamacrocyclic ligands cyclam and cyclen was the initial focus of the research. These ligands were subsequently used to attempt to form stable complexes using a variety of metal ions and solvents. All new compounds were characterized using a combination of NMR, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Compounds of the type synthesized show promise in one day being a strong contender for use in MRI contrast and possibly therapy for cancerous tumors.

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