| abstract |
Amide-thiolate ligands having improved metal chelate formation kinetics are disclosed. The ligands include a tertiary amine strategically located to facilitate rapid formation of an amine-amide-thiolate intermediate complex, followed by transfer of the metal to a thermodynamically stable amide-thiolate complex. The amide-thiolate ligands of the present invention may be used for post formed labeling of biological substances for use in the fields of diagnosis and therapy. |