Argentivorous molecules bearing three aromatic side arms: synthesis of triple-armed cyclens and their complexing property towards Ag(+)

Triple-armed cyclens bearing three aromatic side-arms were prepared in three steps from (3R,5S)-3,5-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-2,6-dione, and the Ag(+)-ion-induced (1)H NMR and UV-vis spectral changes and X-ray structures suggested that the aromatic side-arms cover the Ag(+) incorporated into the ligand cavities like an insectivorous plant (Venus flytrap).