Copper(I) complex-catalysed reduction of dioxygen to water and oxidation of alcohols: a model of copper(I)-containing oxidase

Binary copper(I) complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, 2,2′,2″-terpyridine, and ethylenediamine and ternary copper(I) complexes containing 2,2′-bipyridine and β-diketonates catalyse the reduction of O2 to H2O and the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, respectively.