O-Phenanthroline

O-Phenanthroline is a heterocyclic compound that is commonly used in chemistry as a chelating agent. It is a bidentate ligand, forming complexes with many transition metals.

Structure and properties

O-Phenanthroline is a tricyclic compound, consisting of three fused benzene rings. The molecule is planar, which allows it to form stable complexes with transition metals. It has two nitrogen atoms that can donate a pair of electrons to a metal ion, forming a stable coordinate bond.

Synthesis

O-Phenanthroline can be synthesized from 2,2'-bipyridine by a Skraup reaction. This involves the reaction of 2,2'-bipyridine with sulfuric acid and quinoline, followed by oxidation with nitrobenzene.

Applications

O-Phenanthroline is widely used in analytical chemistry for the determination of metal ions. It forms a red complex with iron(II) ions, which can be used to determine the concentration of iron in a sample. It is also used in the synthesis of coordination compounds, and as a ligand in catalysis.

Safety

O-Phenanthroline is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or comes into contact with skin. It can cause serious eye damage.

See also

• Bidentate ligand
• Chelating agent
• Transition metal