Iron(II) complexes of 2,6-bis(5-alkyl-1,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-on-2-yl)pyridine ligands. Synthesis, characterisation and solvolytic stability

New 2,6-bis(5-alkyl-1,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-on-2-yl)pyridines have been prepared and characterized by ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR and elemental analysis. These ligands form complexes with FeCl₂, which were isolated and characterized by elemental analysis and MS. Both in the solid phase and in aqueous and methanolic solutions the complexes have two ligand molecules per one ferrous ion. By means of the kinetic stopped-flow method, the rate constants of acid catalyzed decomposition, which proceeds as a system of two consecutive reactions, were determined. It was found that increasing steric demands of 5-alkyl substituent in the 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-one cycle significantly retards the acid catalyzed solvolysis. The methyl derivative is solvolyzed cca two orders faster than the corresponding t-Bu derivative.