Iron(II)-alpha-amino acid complexes from nonprotic solutions: reactions of (Fe(Mes)2(phen)) with alpha-amino acids and the structures of bis(L-prolinato)(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) and bis(D-prolinato)(1, 10-phenanthroline)iron(II)

Dimesityliron(II)1,10-phenanthroline is synthesized and the complex readily reacts with alpha-amino acids to form (Fe(II)(A)2(phen)) complexes with the liberation of mesitylene in THF solution. These complexes exhibit a diversity in solubility due to amino acid residue. Optical rotation and X-ray analysis are used to characterize these complexes. The angle of rotation are compared with uncomplexed amino acids.