Four 4′‐hydrazone derivatives of 2,2′:6′,2"‐terpyridine which vary in their N‐ and C‐substitution in the R′NN=CRPh unit have been prepared and structurally characterized. Protonation studies and solution behaviour of these compounds are described, as well as representative crystal structures of mono‐ and diprotonated derivatives. In the solid‐state structures of each neutral compound, the tpy domain adopts the anticipated trans,trans‐conformation, and intramolecular steric factors compete with π‐stacking effects to control the amount to which the C‐phenyl substituent twists out of the plane of the tpy unit. When R′ = H, the imine NH group engages in hydrogen bonding interactions in the solid state, except where R = Ph. In solution, variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy shows that on going from R = Me to Ph (with R′ = H), the barrier to rotation about the Cpy–Nimine bond increases; with R = R′ = H, the hydrogen bonding capabilities of the solvent to the imine NH influence this dynamic process. In the N‐methyl derivative (R = H and R′ = Me), rotation about the Cpy–Nimine bond is facile at room temperature. Protonation of the derivative with R = R′ = H results in an increase in the activation barrier to rotation, consistent with a greater π‐contribution to the Cpy–Nimine bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)