The synthesis of 1,2-bis(1,5,9-triazacyclododecyl)ethane (1) showcases how different bis(alkylating) reagents change the reaction from an intra- to an intermolecular pathway. The isolation of the intermediate hexahydro-3a,6a-ethano-1H,4H,7H,9bH-9a-aza-3a,6a-diazoniaphenalene-3a,6a-diium (2) explained why initially the synthesis of 1 was not possible. Both isomers of 2 were found in solution. DFT calculations revealed that isomer 2a is 4.6 kcal/mol lower in energy than 2b. Synthesis of 1 was finally achieved by using oxalyl chloride.

The synthesis of 1,2-bis(1,5,9-triazacyclododecyl)ethane was achieved using oxalyl chloride, highlighting the importance of linker length within bis(alkylating) reagents.

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The synthesis of 1,2-bis(1,5,9-triazacyclododecyl)ethane: a showcase for the importance of the linker length within bis(alkylating) reagents.

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