Fast and easy access to efficient bifunctional chelators for MRI applications.

Novel bifunctional agents based on the AAZTA (6-amino-6-methylperhydro-1,4-diazepinetetraacetic acid) structure with hydroxyl, carboxyl and chloro functional groups were prepared. The Gd(III) complexes show optimal magnetic properties making them very good candidates for conjugation to biomolecules for molecular imaging applications. An example of conjugation to a bile acid derivative is also reported.