The cyclohexane-based aminophenolate compounds 1,3,5-cis-tris(2-hydroxybenzylamino)cyclohexane ((salH$\sb2)\sb3$tach) and its tris-para substituted derivatives (NO$\sb2$salH$\sb2)\sb3$tach and (MeOsalH$\sb2)\sb3$tach, have been synthesized via 1,3,5-cis-cyclohexanetriol precursor. The synthesis of these ligands' complexes with Al(III), Ga(III), In(III) and Fe(III) is presented. The ligands and their complexes have been characterized by proton NMR spectroscopy, carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of the complexes and magnetic susceptibility of the iron complexes are also presented. In addition, the crystal structures of $\rm Al(salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}3.5H\sb2O,\ Ga(salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}3.5H\sb2O,\ In(salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}3.5H\sb2O,\ Fe(salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}3H\sb2O,\ Al(NO\sb2salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}EtOH,\ Fe(NO\sb2salH\sb2)\sb3tach{\cdot}EtOH,\ and\ Fe(MeOsalH\sb2)\sb3tach$ complexes have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The octanol:water partition coefficients and solubilities of the iron complexes are also presented. In live animal studies, the ($\rm NO\sb2salH\sb2)\sb3tach$ derivative was determined to significantly enhance the effect of aluminum on an aspect of blood-brain barrier function. Further in vivo studies were conducted using radioactive $\sp{59}$Fe complexes of the three ligands to determine their tissue distribution and elimination properties. The results presented show that the complexes are metabolized rapidly, yet tissue distribution differs markedly from the control over extended time periods. The potential of the ligands as metal sequestering agents and radiopharmaceuticals is discussed
