The synthesis of a new series of 2,6-bis(imino)pyrazinyl ligands, [Ar-N=C-Pyz-C=N-Ar] where the aryl groups Ar=naphtyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, and their iron(II) complexes is described starting from monoacetylpyrazine. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.