Synthesis of free and ruthenium coordinated 5,6-diamino-1,10- phenanthroline

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)10223-4

A new preparative route to 5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline is described which triples the isolated yields found in existing syntheses (67% vs. 22% from 1,10-phenanthroline) and utilizes mild reaction conditions. The method is general and can even be used on chiral metal complexes containing the appropriate starting material/ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, with retention of stereochemistry.