Different complexation properties of some hydroxy keto heterocycles toward beryllium(II) in aqueous solutions: experimental and theoretical studies.

Four heterocycles containing hydroxy and keto functionalities have been tested as chelating agents of beryllium(II). These are in the order (i) 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (maltol, Hma), (ii) 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one (kojic acid, Hka), (iii) 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4-pyridinone (Hdpp), (iv) 1-(3-hydroxy-2-furanyl)ethanone (isomaltol, Hima). Although the skeletons of the first three species, with one nitrogen or oxygen heteroatom at the six-membered ring, are almost superimposable, straightforward synthesis and crystallization is achieved only for the 1:2 adduct Be(dpp)(2), 1.