A new class of cross-bridged cyclam-based macrocycles featuring phosphonate pendant groups has been developed. 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-di(methanephosphonic acid) (CB-TE2P, 1) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1-(methanephosphonic acid)-8-(methanecarboxylic acid) (CB-TE1A1P, 2) have been synthesized and have been shown to readily form neutral copper (II) complexes at room temperature as the corresponding dianions. Both complexes showed high kinetic inertness to demetallation and crystal structures confirmed complete encapsulation of copper (II) ion within each macrocycle’s cleft-like structure. Unprecedented for cross-bridged cyclam derivatives, both CB-TE2P (1) and CB-TE1A1P (2) can be radiolabeled with 64Cu at room temperature in less than 1 hour with specific activities >1mCi/μg. The in vivo behavior of both 64Cu-CB-TE2P and 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P were investigated through biodistribution studies using healthy, male, Lewis rats. Both new compounds showed rapid clearance with similar or lower accumulation in non-target organs/tissues when compared to other copper chelators including CB-TE2A, NOTA and Diamsar.

In this letter we present an innovative and cost-effective method of constructing crystal structures using Dual Lock fastening adhesive tape with table tennis (ping pong) balls. The use of these fasteners allows the balls to be easily assembled into layers to model various crystal structures and unit cells and then completely disassembled again. We have found that this method allows us to challenge the students in a hands-on activity where they construct the structures from single balls and not preconstructed layers. Furthermore, this method enables students to construct the body centered unit cell which is difficult to do with glue and table tennis balls.

Copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry has inherent challenges for copper-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. An azide-modified phosphonate-based cross-bridged macrocyclic chelator was synthesized for click chemistry conjugation with azide-modified Y3-TATE (a somatostatin analogue) on resin, without the need for protecting the chelator. The 64Cu-labeled bioconjugate shows favourable in vitro and in vivo behaviour.