The synthesis of the tridentate ligand bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine by reaction of 2-chloromethylpyridine and excess 2-aminomethylpyridine is described, and the proton dissociation constants are reported. The coordination tendencies have been studied potentiometrically (at 25°and µ = 0.10 in KNOs) with Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), and Ag(I).Chelation was observed and the corresponding stepwise formation constants and Gibbs free energies are reported. These results are compared with the coordination tendencies of the analogous aliphatic amine, diethylenetriamine. Geometrical considerations for bis (2-pyridylmethyl )amine coordination are discussed. The proton dissociation constants of bis(3-pyridylmethyl)amine are also reported.

Synthesis of 2,2/-iminodimethylene dipyridine has been accomplished in good yield by reaction of 2-chloromethyl pyridine with excess 2-aminomethyl pyridine. Stepwise