Iminodiacetate as a didentate ligand: base induced dealkylation

Iminodiacetate has been incorporated into a complex as a didentate ligand. Control of pH is vital to the successful synthesis of the complex. At pH > 8 glycinato complexes have been observed to be significant products from the synthesis. Evidence is presented in support of the proposal that the glycine results from oxidative dealkylation of the coordinated iminodiacetate. An imine complex similar to a possible intermediate in this reaction has been prepared and shown to give rise to amino acid complexes on submission to similar reaction conditions. The amino acid complexes that are formed from the imine complex are derived from either the pendant or chelated parts of the ligand. Possible mechanisms are discussed.