Effect of a mesitylene-based ligand cap on the relaxometric properties of Gd(III) hydroxypyridonate MRI contrast agents

A series of new Gd(III) hydroxypyridonate complexes featuring a mesitylene (ME)-derived ligand cap has been prepared. Relaxometric characterization reveals that the complexes tend to form large aggregates in solution with slow tumbling rates, as estimated from NMRD analysis, and unique pH-dependent relaxivities. The solution behavior and relaxometric properties are compared with those observed for analogous TREN-capped compounds, and the potential for use of these new ME-capped complexes as pH-responsive MRI contrast agents is explored.