Alkali metal complexes: Complexes of alkali metals with quinaldinic acid

Complexes having the general formula ML.HL, where M = Na, K, Rb or Cs and HL = quinaldinic acid, have been obtained. The isolation of adducts in the solid state appeared to be favoured by increase in atomic radius, and hence decrease in ionisation potential of the metal. Attempts to synthesise similar adducts of picolinic acid N-oxide and quinaldinic acid N-oxide did not succeed. Complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses, thermal, IR spectral and solution studies. Our findings suggest that pK value of the ligands cannot be regarded a dominant factor in the synthesis and isolation of alkali metal complexes.