Abstract: Compounds are described which include polyvalent ligands linked to a cyclodextrin scaffold which exhibit strong binding affinities for lanthanides and favorable characteristics with respect to altering the relaxation time of coordinated water molecules. The compounds are useful as contrast agents in applications such as magnetic resonance imaging. The polyvalent ligands are also useful in applications requiring chelation of metal ions in other applications such as water treatment, sequestration of metal ions and treatment of diseases or conditions caused by exposure to toxic or radioactive metal ions.

Abstract: Compounds are described which include polyvalent ligands linked to a cyclodextrin scaffold which exhibit strong binding affinities for lanthanides and favorable characteristics with respect to altering the relaxation time of coordinated water molecules. The compounds are useful as contrast agents in applications such as magnetic resonance imaging. The polyvalent ligands are also useful in applications requiring chelation of metal ions in other applications such as water treatment, sequestration of metal ions and treatment of diseases or conditions caused by exposure to toxic or radioactive metal ions.