22Bipyridine

2,2'-Bipyridine is a nitrogen-containing, heteroaromatic organic compound that serves as a widely used bidentate ligand in coordination chemistry. Its chemical formula is C10H8N2, and its molecular weight is about 156.17 g/mol. The molecule consists of two pyridine rings linked at their 2 positions, forming a planar, conjugated framework with two nitrogen atoms available for coordination.

As a ligand, 2,2'-bipyridine binds through the two ring nitrogens, forming a five-membered chelate ring with a metal center. This chelating ability stabilizes a variety of metal complexes and influences their electronic properties. The ligand is neutral and often adopted in a roughly parallel arrangement, though the exact geometry can vary with substituents and the metal.

2,2'-Bipyridine is central to many inorganic and organometallic applications. It is a foundational ligand for preparing classic metal complexes used in catalysis, photochemistry, and materials science. A well-known example is tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II), [Ru(bpy)3]2+, a widely studied photochemical and photophysical complex. Substituted versions of 2,2'-bipyridine, including 4,4'-disubstituted derivatives, are employed to tune steric and electronic properties for specialized catalysts and functional materials.

The compound is commercially available and widely used in research laboratories. It is typically handled under standard laboratory safety procedures for air-stable organic ligands. Typical considerations include avoiding inhalation of dust and contact with eyes or skin, and using appropriate personal protective equipment.