Stabilization of a given type of 3d-metal-centered cage complexes via encapsulation and/or hydrogen abstraction.

Template condensation of nioxime, tolylboronic acid and M(II) or M(III) salts gave the iron and manganese(II) clathrochelates and the chromium(III)-centered macrobicyclic anion-radical. [Display omitted] • Condensation of nioxime and TolB(OH) 2 on Fe and Mn ions gave metal(II) clathrochelates. • That on Cr2+(3+) cations afforded the chromium(III) macrobicyclic anion-radical. • Its molecule contains two alicyclic and one ortho -benzoquinonedioximate chelates. • It did not undergo any substantial chemical transformations even in air atmosphere. • It resulted from an oxidative aromatization of one ribbed cyclohexane substituent. Template condensation of nioxime as a chelating synthon and tolylboronic acid as a cross-linking agent in the presence of M(II) or M(III) salts (M = Fe, Mn) gave the regular metal(II) clathrochelates. That with Cr(II) or Cr(III) salts afforded the stable chromium(III) macrobicyclic anion-radical with two alicyclic and one ortho -benzoquinonedioximate chelate fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]