New tridentate ligands of the type N-alkyl-N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (alkyl = me thyl, benzyl, adamantyl) have been synthesized by reaction of alkylamines with 2 -(chlor-methyl)pyridine in alkaline solution. These amines are preferably isolated and stored as per chlorates. The perchlorate of the methyl substituted ligand has been crystallized in two modifications that differ in the twisting of the aromatic rings and in the coordination of the perchlorate anions.