CAS Number: 18851-33-7
Molecular Formula: C12H8N2 · HCl · H2O
Molecular Weight: 234.68
IUPAC Name: 1,10-Phenanthroline hydrochloride monohydrate
Other Name: o-Phenanthroline hydrochloride monohydrate
Phenanthroline (phen) is a heterocyclic organic compound. It is a white solid that is soluble in organic solvents. It is used as a ligand in coordination chemistry, it forms strong complexes with most metal ions. In terms of its coordination properties, phen is similar to 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy).
The complex [Fe(phen)3]2+, called "ferroin," is used for the photometric determination of Fe(II). It is used as a redox indicator with standard potential +1.06 V. The reduced ferrous form has a deep red colour and the oxidised form is light-blue. Ferroin is used as a cell permeable inhibitor for metalloproteases in cell biology.
The pink complex [Ni(phen)3]2+ has been resolved into its Δ and Λ isomers. The analogous [Ru(phen)3]2+ has long been known to be bioactive.
