The constitution and properties of a pyochelin-zinc complex

The siderophore pyochelin, identified for the first time as a metabolite of Pseudomonasfluorescens, was isolated in highly pure form as a dimeric complex with two zinc atoms. The 1H and 13C magnetic resonance data for the two pyochelin moieties of the complex differ significantly from each other and from those of free pyochelin. The complex also exhibits unusual solubility and stability properties. Since it is easily isolable and can be readily converted into highly pure, free pyochelin, it offers an excellent entry to further biological studies on this important metabolite.