[Creation of new supramolecular science with macrocyclic polyamines]

Exploitation of saturated macrocyclic polyamines has led to a discovery of numerous novel functions and new molecules such as (1) unique proton sponge properties; (2) uptake of biological polyanions; (3) peptide-like metal uptake properties; (4) stabilization of unusual oxidation states of metal ions (e.g. CuIII, NiIII); (5) novel uptake and activation of O2 by a new NiII-macrocyclic complex; (6) a new synthetic pathway to functionalize polyamines; (7) the first gold (III) complex that is a new candidate for gold-plating agents; (8) intrinsic zinc (II) properties pertinent to zinc enzymes; and (9) selective recognition of thymine by ZnII complexes. These newly discovered properties have created a way to a new type of supramolecular science.