Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties of structurally diverse polyazine-bridged Ru(II),Pt(II) and Os(II),Ru(II),Pt(II) supramolecular motifs

Five new tetrametallic supramolecules of the motif [{(TL)(2)M(dpp)}(2)Ru(BL)PtCl(2)](6+) and three new trimetallic light absorbers [{(TL)(2)M(dpp)}(2)Ru(BL)](6+) (TL = bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine or phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; M = Ru(II) or Os(II); BL = dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine, dpq = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline, or bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) were synthesized and their redox, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties investigated. The tetrametallic complexes couple a Pt(II)-based reactive metal center to Ru and/or Os light absorbers through two different polyazine BL to provide structural diversity and interesting resultant properties. The redox potential of the M(II/III) couple is modulated by M variation, with the terminal Ru(II/III) occurring at 1.58-1.61 V and terminal Os(II/III) couples at 1.07-1.18 V versus Ag/AgCl. [{(TL)(2)M(dpp)}(2)Ru(BL)](PF(6))(6) display terminal M(dπ)-based highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) with the dpp(π*)-based lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy relatively unaffected by the nature of BL. The coupling of Pt to the BL results in orbital inversion with localization of the LUMO on the remote BL in the tetrametallic complexes, providing a lowest energy charge separated (CS) state with an oxidized terminal Ru or Os and spatially separated reduced BL. The complexes [{(TL)(2)M(dpp)}(2)Ru(BL)](6+) and [{(TL)(2)M(dpp)}(2)Ru(BL)PtCl(2)](6+) efficiently absorb light throughout the UV and visible regions with intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible at about 540 nm (M = Ru) and 560 nm (M = Os) (ε ≈ 33,000-42,000 M(-1) cm(-1)) and direct excitation to the spin-forbidden (3)MLCT excited state in the Os complexes about 720 nm. All the trimetallic and tetrametallic Ru-based supramolecular systems emit from the terminal Ru(dπ)→dpp(π*) (3)MLCT state, λ(max)(em) ≈ 750 nm. The tetrametallic systems display complex excited state dynamics with quenching of the (3)MLCT emission at room temperature to populate the lowest-lying (3)CS state population of the emissive (3)MLCT state.     

Preparation and characterization of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a hexaazadithiophenolate macrocycle

The ligating properties of the 24-membered macrocyclic dinucleating hexaazadithiophenolate ligand (L(Me))2- towards the transition metal ions Cr(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) have been examined. It is demonstrated that this ligand forms an isostructural series of bioctahedral [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ complexes with Mn(II) (2), Fe(II) (3), Co(II) (4), Ni(II) (5) and Zn(II) (6). The reaction of (L(Me))2- with two equivalents of CrCl2 and NaOAc followed by air-oxidation produced the complex [(L(Me))Cr(III)H2(OAc)]2+ (1), which is the first example for a mononuclear complex of (L(Me))2-. Complexes 2-6 contain a central N3M(II)(mu-SR)2(mu-OAc)M(II)N3 core with an exogenous acetate bridge. The Cr(III) ion in is bonded to three N and two S atoms of (L(Me))2- and an O atom of a monodentate acetate coligand. In 2-6 there is a consistent decrease in the deviations of the bond angles from the ideal octahedral values such that the coordination polyhedra in the dinickel complex 5 are more regular than in the dimanganese compound 2. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the magnetic exchange interactions in the [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ cations to be relatively weak. Intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are present in the Mn(II)2, Fe(II)2 and Co(II)2 complexes where J = -5.1, -10.6 and approximately -2.0 cm(-1) (H = -2JS1S2). In contrast, in the dinickel complex 5 a ferromagnetic exchange interaction is present with J = +6.4 cm(-1). An explanation for this difference is qualitatively discussed in terms of the bonding differences.     

Synthesis and spectral investigations of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of new polydentate ligands containing a 1,8-naphthyridine moiety

2-(o-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (HN), 2-(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyran-2-one-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine (HMPN) and 2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine(BN) react with acetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) to yield metal ion complexes of definite composition. These compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermal studies, IR, UV-visible, NMR and mass spectral investigations. The complexes are found to have the formulae [M(HN)2(H2O)2], [M(HMPN)2(H2O)2] and [M(BN)2(OAc)2], respectively.     

Isomorphous replacement of M(II) ions in M(II)-Gd(III) dimers (M(II) = Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II)): magnetic studies of the products

Complexes [M(II)Gd(III){pyCO(OEt)pyC(OH)(OEt)py}?](ClO?)?·EtOH [M(II) = Cu(II) (1), Mn(II) (2), Ni(II) (3), Co(II) (4) and Zn(II) (5)] crystallize in the monoclinic Cc space group and contain one hexacoordinate M(II) ion and one enneacoordinate Gd(III) ion, bridged by three {pyCO(OEt)pyC(OH)(OEt)py}? ligands. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a ferromagnetic interaction for 1 and antiferromagnetic interactions for 2-4. Using the ? = -J?(Gd(III))?(M(II)) spin Hamiltonian formalism, fits to the magnetic susceptibility data yielded J values of +0.32 cm?1 for 1, -1.7 cm?1 for 2, and -0.22 cm?1 for 3. In complex 4, the orbital contributions of Co(II) precluded the determination of the magnetic coupling. The complex follows the Curie-Weiss law with θ = -2.07 K (-1.44 cm?1).     

Potentiometric determination of stability constants of cyanoacetato complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and lead(II)

Stability constants of cyanoacetato complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and lead(II) were determined potentiometrically at 25.0 +/- 0.1 degrees and ionic strength 2M (sodium perchlorate). The stability constants were evaluated by a weighted least-squares method.     

Mononuclear Cu(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) Complexes with 2-Furoate Anions and 2,2'-Bpy: Synthesis,Structure, and Biological Activity

Russian Journal of Coordination Chemistry - The mononuclear complexes [M(Fur)2(Bpy)(H2O)] (M = Cu (I), Zn (II)) were prepared by the reactions of copper(II) and zinc(II) acetates with 2-furoic acid...     

Synthesis and structural studies of 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone complexes of oxovanadium(IV), manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II)

Complexes with chemical compositions VO(Hatth)₂SO₄, VO(Hatth)₂SO₄·py, [M(Hatth)₂Cl·H₂O]Cl [M = Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)], [Cu(Hatth)₂Cl]₂Cl₂, [Cu(Hatth)₂· Cl·py]Cl, [Cd(Hatth)₂Cl]Cl, M(Hatth)₂Cl₂ [M = Zn(II) and Hg(II)], VO(atth)₂, VO(atth)₂py, M(atth)₂(py)₂ [M = Mn(II) and Cu(II)], M(atth)₂(H₂O)₂ [M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)], Hatth = 2-acetylthiophene-2-thenoylhydrazone, and atth, its deprotonated form, have been prepared and characterized by analytical data, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic and photoacoustic, ESR, IR and NMR spectral studies. X-ray diffraction study has been used to determine the shape and the dimensions of the unit lattice of copper(II) complexes.     

Spectroscopic, thermal and biological studies of the coordination compounds of sulfasalazine drug: Mn(II), Hg(II), Cr(III), ZrO(II), VO(II) and Y(III) transition metal complexes

The complexations of sulfasalazine (H3Suz) with some of transition metals have been investigated. Three types of complexes, [Mn(HSuz)-2(H2O)4] x 2H2O, [M(HSuz)-2(H2O)2] x xH2O (M=Hg(II), ZrO(II) and VO(II), x=4, 8 and 6, respectively) and [M(HSuz)-2(Cl)(H2O)3] x xH2O (M=Cr(III) and Y(III), x=5 and 6, respectively) were obtained and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The IR spectra of the complexes suggest that the H3Suz behaves as a bidentate ligand. The thermal decomposition of the complexes as well as thermodynamic parameters (DeltaE*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* and DeltaG*) were estimated using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger equations. In vitro antimicrobial activities of the H3Suz and the complexes were tested.     

Spectral,thermal and magnetic investigations of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) 4-methylphthalates

Conditions for the preparation of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) 4-methylphthalates were investigated and their composition, solubility in water at 295 K and magnetic moments were determined. IR spectra and powder diffraction patterns of the complexes prepared with molar ratio of metal to organic ligand of 1.0:1.0 and general formula: M [ CH₃C₆H₃(CO₂)₂]·nH₂o (n=1-3) were recorded and their decomposition in air were studied. During heating the hydrated complexes are dehydrated in one (Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) or two steps (Cu) and next the anhydrous complexes decompose to oxides directly (Cu, Zn), with intermediate formation of carbonates (Mn, Cd), oxocarbonates (Ni) or carbonate and free metal (Co). The carboxylate groups in the complexes studied are mono- and bidentate (Co, Ni), bidentate chelating and bridging (Zn) or bidentate chelating (Mn, Cu, Cd). The magnetic moments for paramagnetic complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) attain values 5.92, 5.05, 3.36 and 1.96 M.B., respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electron transfer reactions of peroxydisulfate and fluoroxysulfate reactions with the cyanide complexes M(CN)n4- (M=Fe(II), Ru(II), Os(II), Mo(IV), and W(IV))

The stoichiometry and the kinetics of oxidation of the cyanide complexes M(CN)n4- (M = Fe(II), Ru(II), Os(II), Mo(IV), and W(IV)) by the peroxydisulfate ion, S2O8(2-), and by the much more strongly oxidizing fluoroxysulfate ion, SO4F-, were studied in aqueous solutions containing Li+. Reactions of S2O8(2-) with M(CN)n4- are known to be strongly catalyzed by Li+ and other alkali metal ions, and this applies also to the corresponding reactions of SO4F-. The primary reactions of S2O8(2-) and SO4F- have both been found to be one-electron processes in which the equally strong O-O and O-F bonds are broken. The primary reaction of S2O8(2-) consists of a single step yielding M(CN)n3-, SO4-, and SO42-, whereas the primary reaction of SO4F- comprises two parallel one-electron steps, one leading to M(CN)n3-, SO4-, and F- and the other yielding M(CN)n-1(2-), CN-, SO4- and F-. The relationship between the rate constants and the standard free energies of reaction for the Li+-catalyzed reactions of SO4F- and S2O8(2-) with M(CN)n(4-), and for the uncatalyzed reactions of S2O8(2-) with bipyridyl and phenanthroline complexes MLn2+ (M = Fe(II), Ru(II), and Os(II)) studied previously, suggests that the intrinsic barrier for all three sets of reactions is similar, i.e., unaffected by the Li+ catalysis, and that the electron transfer and the breakage of the O-O and O-F bonds are concerted processes.     

Preparation, characterization and biological activity of Fe(III), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes of new cyclodiphosph(V)azane of sulfaguanidine

Novel hexachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane of sulfaguanidine, H(4)L, l,3-[N'-amidino-sulfanilamide]-2,2,2,4,4,4-hexachlorocyclodiphosph(V)azane was prepared and its coordination behaviour towards the transition metal ions Fe(III), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and UO(2)(II) was studied. The structures of the isolated products are proposed based on elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, (1)H NMR, mass spectra, reflectance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hyperfine interactions in the isolated complex compounds were studied using 14.4keV gamma-ray from radioactive (57)Co (M?ssbauer spectroscopy). The data show that the ligand are coordinated to the metal ions via the sulfonamide O and deprotonated NH atoms in an octahedral manner. The H(4)L ligand forms complexes of the general formulae [(MX(z))(2)(H(2)L)H(2)O)(n)] and [(FeSO(4))(2) (H(4)L) (H(2)O)(4)], where X=NO(3) in case of UO(2)(II) and Cl in case of Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II). The molar conductance data show that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied and different thermodynamic parameters were calculated using Coats-Redfern method. Most of the prepared complexes showed high bactericidal activity and some of the complexes show more activity compared with the ligand and standards.     

Complexes of dicamba with cadmium(II), copper(II), mercury(II), lead(II) and zinc(II)

New solid complexes of a herbicide known as dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) with Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) of the general formula M(dicamba)₂·xH₂O (M=metal, x=0-2) and Zn₂(OH)(dicamba)₃·2H₂O have been prepared and studied. The complexes have different crystal structures. The carboxylate groups in the lead, cadmium and copper complexes are bidentate, chelating, symmetrical, in Hg(dicamba)₂·2H₂O - unidentate, and in the zinc salt - bidentate, bridging, symmetrical. The anhydrous compounds decompose in three stages, except for the lead salt whose decomposition proceeds in four stages. The main gaseous decomposition products are CO₂, CH₃OH, HCl and H₂O. Trace amounts of compounds containing an aromatic ring were also detected. The final solid decomposition products are oxychlorides of metals and CuO. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On the composition of copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes with some 3,6-disubstituted 1,2,4,5-tetrazines

Complex formation in the systems containing copper(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) ions (M) and 3-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-6-R-1,2,4,5-tetrazines (R = 2-hydroxyethylamino, piperidino) (L) was studied by voltammetry and spectrophotometry. Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) were found to form complex compounds with derivatives of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine with the ratio of the components M:L = 1:1. The complex stability constants were determined.     

One-dimensional oxalato-bridged Cu(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) complexes with purine and adenine as terminal ligands

The reaction of nucleobases (adenine or purine) with a metallic salt in the presence of potassium oxalate in an aqueous solution yields one-dimensional complexes of formulas [M(mu-ox)(H(2)O)(pur)](n) (pur = purine, ox = oxalato ligand (2-); M = Cu(II) [1], Co(II) [2], and Zn(II) [3]), [Co(mu-ox)(H(2)O)(pur)(0.76)(ade)(0.24)](n)(4) and ([M(mu-ox)(H(2)O)(ade)].2(ade).(H(2)O))(n) (ade = adenine; M = Co(II) [5] and Zn(II) [6]). Their X-ray single-crystal structures, variable-temperature magnetic measurements, thermal behavior, and FT-IR spectroscopy are reported. The complexes 1-4 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a (No. 14) with similar crystallographic parameters. The compounds 5 and 6 are also isomorphous but crystallize in the triclinic space group P (No. 2). All compounds contain one-dimensional chains in which cis-[M(H(2)O)(L)](2+) units are bridged by bis-bidentate oxalato ligands with M(.)M intrachain distances in the range 5.23-5.57 A. In all cases, the metal atoms are six-coordinated by four oxalato oxygen atoms, one water molecule, and one nitrogen atom from a terminal nucleobase, building distorted octahedral MO(4)O(w)N surroundings. The purine ligand is bound to the metal atom through the most basic imidazole N9 atom in 1-4, whereas in 5 and 6 the minor groove site N3 of the adenine nucleobase is the donor atom. The crystal packing of compounds 5 and 6 shows the presence of uncoordinated adenine and water crystallization molecules. The cohesiveness of the supramolecular 3D structure of the compounds is achieved by means of an extensive network of noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking interactions). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of the Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes in the range 2-300 K show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic intrachain interactions.     

Photochromism of metal complexes composed of diarylethene ligands and Zn(II), Mn(II), and Cu(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonates

Metal complexes composed of bidentate 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (1a) and monodentate 1-(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-thienyl)-2-(2-methyl-5-(4-pyridyl)-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (2a) photochromic ligands and M(hfac)(2) (M = Zn(II), Mn(II), and Cu(II)) were prepared, and their photoinduced coordination structural changes were studied. X-ray crystallographic analyses showed the formation of coordination polymers and discrete 1:2 complexes for bidentate and monodentate ligands, respectively. The complexes underwent reversible photochromic reactions by alternate irradiation with UV and visible lights in solution as well as in the single-crystalline phase. Upon photoirradiation with UV and visible light, the ESR spectra of the copper complexes of 1a reversibly changed. While the open-ring isomer gave an axial-type spectrum, the photogenerated closed-ring isomer showed a rhombic-type spectrum. This indicates that the photoisomerization induced the change in the coordination structure.     

Structural, spectroscopic and thermal characterization of 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester and its Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes

Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes with the ligand 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester (HL(2)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment, thermal analysis and spectral data. 1:1 M:HL(2) complexes, with the general formula [M(HL(2))X(2)].nH(2)O (where M = Co(II) (X = Cl, n = 0), Ni(II) (X = Cl, n = 3), Cu(II) (grey colour, X = AcO, n = 1), Cu(II) (yellow colour, X = Cl, n = 0) and Zn(II) (X = Br, n = 0). In addition, the Fe(III) and UO(2)(II) complexes of the type 1:2 M:HL(2) and with the formulae [Fe(L(2))(2)]Cl and [UO(2)(HL(2))(2)](NO(3))(2) are prepared. From the IR data, it is seen that HL(2) ligand behaves as a terdentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridyl N, carboxylate O and protonated NH group; except the Fe(III) complex, it coordinates via the deprotonated NH group. This is supported by the molar conductance data, which show that all the complexes are non-electrolytes, while the Fe(III) and UO(2)(II) complexes are 1:1 electrolytes. IR and H1-NMR spectral studies suggest a similar behaviour of the Zn(II) complex in solid and solution states. From the solid reflectance spectral data and magnetic moment measurements, the complexes have a trigonal bipyramidal (Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes) and octahedral (Fe(III), UO(2)(II) complexes) geometrical structures. The thermal behaviour of the complexes is studied and the different dynamic parameters are calculated applying Coats-Redfern equation.     

Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of a tertraaza macrocyclic ligand: Synthesis, characterization and biological screening

Manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with 1,5,11,15-tetraaza-21,22-dioxo-tricyclo [19,3,1,I^6,10]-5,10,15-20-dicosatetraene (L), as a new macrocyclicligand, have been synthesized with and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass, IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMF correspond to non-electrolytic nature of Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, while showing a 1:2 electrolyte for thew Ni(II) complexe. Thus, these complexes may be formulated as [M(L)X₂] and [Ni(L)]X₂ (where M = Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) and X = Cl^- and NO₃ ^-). On the basis of IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies, an octahedral geometry has been assigned for Mn(II) and Co(II), a square planar for Ni(II) and tetragonal for Cu(II) complexes. In vitro ligand and its metal complexes were also screened against the growth of some fungal and bacterial species in order to assess their antimicrobial properties.     

Synthesis, spectral and thermal studies of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complex dyes based on hydroxyquinoline moiety

A series of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of azo-compounds containing hydroxyl quinoline moiety have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moments, IR, electronic and ESR spectral studies. The results revealed the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 (L:M) complexes. The molar conductance data reveal that the chelates are nonelectrolyte. IR spectra indicate that the azodyes behave as monobasic bidentate or dibasic tetradentate ligands through phenolate or carboxy oxygen, azo N for 1:1 (L:M) complexes beside phenolate oxygen and quinoline N atoms for 1:2 (L:M) complexes. The thermal analyses (TG and DTA) as well as the solid electrical conductivity measurements are also studied. The molecular parameters of the ligands and their metal complexes have been calculated.     

Synthesis, spectral characterization, solution equilibria, in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes with Schiff base derived from 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and 2-aminomethylthiophene

Schiff base namely 2-aminomethylthiophenyl-4-bromosalicylaldehyde (ATS)(4-bromo-2-(thiophen-2-yl-imino)methylphenol) and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, mass spectra, ESR and thermal analysis (TGA). The analytical data of the complexes show the formation of 1:2 [M:L] ratio of the formula [ML2], where M represents Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions, while L represents the deprotonated Schiff base. IR spectra show that ATS is coordinated to the metal ions in a bidentate manner through azomethine-N and phenolic-oxygen groups. The ligand and their metal chelates have been screened for their antimicrobial activities using the disc diffusion method against the selected bacteria. A cytotoxicity of the compounds against colon (HCT116) and larynx (HEP2) cancer cells have been studied. Protonation constants of (ATS) ligand and stability constants of its Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ complexes were determined by potentiometric titration method in 50% (v/v) DMSO-water solution at ionic strength of 0.1 M NaNO3.     

Synthesis and characterization of manganese(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) Schiff-base complexes derived from 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethylamine

The synthesis of a new Schiff base containing 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethylamine is described. The reaction of 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde with 2-mercaptoethylamine leads to 2,9-bis(2-ethanthiazolinyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (I) which undergoes rearrangement when reacted with manganese, nickel, copper or zinc ions to produce complexes of the tautomeric Schiff base 2,9-bis[2-(2-mercaptoethyl)-2-azaethene]-1,10-phenanthroline (L). The [M(L)Cl₂] complexes [where M = Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions] were characterized by physical and spectroscopic measurements which indicated that the ligand is a tetradentate N₄ chelating agent.