Synthesis, Structure, Physicochemical Properties and Catecholase-like Activity of a New Dicopper(II) Complex

The synthesis, characterization and catecholase activity studies of the complex [Cu2(H2bbppnol)(m-OAc)(m-ClO 4)]ClO4·H2O·EtOAc containing the dinucleating ligand N,N'-2-hydroxybenzyl-N,N' -2-pyridylmethyl-2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diamine (H3bbppnol) are presented here. The complex was characterized by IR, electronic and EPR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic susceptibility measurements and X-ray crystallography. The catecholase-like activity of the complex was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to the corresponding o-benzoquinone in O2-saturated methanol/aqueous buffer (pH 8) mixtures at 25oC. The complex was able to oxidize the model substrate with a turnover number of 0.0057 s-1.