Optically active co-ordination compounds. Part XXXIV. Modification of reaction pathways in 1,10-phenanthroline and its derivatives by metal ions

Abstract

The reactivity of some derivatives of 1,10-phenanthroline, both free, and in the presence of some metal ions (Ru^II, Fe^II, Co^III and Co^II) provides clear evidence for metal ion alteration of reaction profile in situations where more than one reaction is possible. The optical activity of the Ru^II complexes is discussed. The conversion, by hydroxide ion, of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione to 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one is shown to follow the expected benzilic acid pathway: the ultimate formation of the ketone is rationalised in terms of its exceptional stability, also evident in the behaviour of the ligands in the mass spectrometer.