a series of 3- hydroxypyridin -4-one derivatives (hpos) as bidentate iron (iii) chelating agents were synthesized from 3- hydroxypyran -4-ones (maltol and ethyl maltol) in three steps through protection of hydroxyl group . the protected compounds were then reacted with suitable primary amines to give benzylated pyridinones . finally, the benzyl group was removed by catalytic hydrogenation to pr...