Synthesis and characterization of a new 4-pyridone derivative and its complexation of iron(III)

A new complexing and extracting agent, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(p-aminophenyl)-4-pyridone (HZ), was synthesized and its X-ray crystal structure was determined. The protonation constants of free HZ as well as stability constants of ferric mono-, bis- and tris(HZ) complexes in the aqueous solution (Ic = 0.1 mol dm−3 (NaCl), t = 25 °C) were determined using spectrophotometry and potentiometry. Distribution of HZ between the chloroform and aqueous phase was explored spectrophotometrically. The ligand investigated was shown to be a promising reagent for the extraction of iron(III) from aqueous solution to organic phase.