Closer Look at Phenanthroline

1,10-phenanthroline is a heterocycle consisting of three fused rings, with two pyridines fused on a central benzene. The two nitrogen atoms can bind metals using their lone pairs, making it a strong donor.In this compilation, the interaction between the essential element -iron, and the phenanthroline ligand is examined. A short review of the iron biochemistry including absorption, biodistribution and biomineralization of the element in the human body is provided. The anti-parasitary properties of phenanthroline in its coordination chemistry with ruthenium are also described, highlighting the biological and medicinal significance of the differences in the physico- chemical properties of these ligands on the activity of the resulting complexes.