1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

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1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me3TACN) is the N-methylated version of TACN (triazacyclononane), a tridentate aza-crown ether used in coordination chemistry. Its chemical formula is C9H21N3 and its molar mass is about 171.29 g/mol. It is a colorless liquid.

In metal complex chemistry, TACN commonly forms 2:1 “sandwich” complexes with many metal ions. Me3TACN, however, forms 2:1 complexes only with a few ions—silver (Ag+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+)—because the three methyl groups add bulk and require larger ions to accommodate two ligands around the metal center. Several related derivatives with different substituents on nitrogen have also been prepared.

Key data
- Synonyms: 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazonane; N,N′,N′′-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane
- Formula: C9H21N3
- Molar mass: 171.29 g/mol
- Boiling point: ~208 °C
- Appearance: colorless liquid
- Hazards: can cause severe skin burns and eye damage; handle with care

Me3TACN is a useful ligand in coordination chemistry, with several nitrogen-substituted derivatives studied for their binding properties.