Ternary complexes of substituted catechols and catecholamines

Stability constants of the ternary complexes [CuAL] whereA = 5-Nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, bis(2-pyridyl) ketone (DPK) orbis(2-pyridyl)amine (DPA) andL is the dianion of catechol, tiron, protocatechic acid, pyrogallol, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene, catecholaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, dopamine or adrenaline have been determined by potentiometric titration in dioxane water (1:1 v/v) medium using a SCOGS computer programme. The observed trend of stability is explained on the basis of the nature of substitution over the ligands, chelate ring size and also the composition of mixed solvent in case of DPK. Structural changes in DPK have also been discussed as a function of pH, composition of medium and coordinating mode of the secondary ligand in the ternary complexes.