The chalcocite copper membrane electrode

The membrane electrode based on a synthetic chalcocite (Cu(2)S) single crystal responds primarily to the activity of copper(I) ions in solution. The experimental selectivity coefficient with respect to copper(II) ions is in good agreement with the value calculated on the basis of solubility products of both sulphides. The electrode has been calibrated with metal-ion buffers containing a strongly complexing ligand. TETREN, and can be used as an indicator in titrations of copper with EDTA and TETREN. Comparison of an experimental titration curve with one calculated with the aid of the program HALTAFALL showed good agreement in the case of TETREN, but there were discrepancies for the EDTA titration, which are attributed to the presence and complexation of copper(I) ions. The electrode has also been applied in metal titrations with Cu(2+) as indicator ion, though the potential changes observed were smaller than predicted. All titrations showed errors less than 1%.     

Crystal structures of triazine-3-thione derivatives by reaction with copper and cobalt salts

The reaction of 5-methoxy-5,6-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazine-3-thione L1H2OCH3 with copper(II) chloride leads to the formation of an organic molecule L2 containing two triazine rings linked by a new S-S bond. A binuclear copper(II) complex, 1, containing L1 is also isolated. The reaction of L1H2OCH3 with copper(I) chloride yields a hexanuclear cluster of copper(I), 2, in which the copper atoms form a distorted octahedron with the ligand L1 acting as an NS chelate and sulfur bridge, giving to the copper ion a trigonal geometry by one N and two S atoms. In any reaction of the disulfide L2 with metal salts, complexes containing this molecule are isolated. Reactions with copper(I) and copper(II) chloride and nickel(II) and cadmium(II) nitrate produce the S-S bond cleavage, giving complexes containing the triazine L1 behaving as the NS anion, which show spectroscopic characteristics identical with those formed by reaction with L1H2OCH3. However, the reaction with cobalt(II) nitrate gives a low-spin octahedral cobalt(III) complex, in which an asymmetric rupture of the disulfide L2 has been produced, giving an unexpected complex with a new ligand and keeping the S-S bond.     

Bistable copper complexes of bis-thia-bis-quinoline ligands

The new ligands R,R-trans-S,S'-bis[methyl(2'-quinolyl)]-1,2-dithiacyclohexane, cis-S,S'-bis[methyl(2'-quinolyl)]-1,2-dithiacyclohexane, and 1,6-bis(2'-quinolyl)-2,5-dithiahexane have been synthesized and their complexes with Cu(I) and Cu(II) prepared. The ligand/metal systems are bistable, as the complexes with copper in both its oxidation states are stable under the same conditions as solids and in solution. The crystal and molecular structure of [Cu(I)(1,6-bis(2'-quinolyl)-2,5-dithiahexane)]ClO(4) has been determined by X-ray diffraction and reveals that the complex is monomeric, with the ligand folding around the Cu(+) cation, imparting to it a tetrahedral coordination. UV-vis, MS-ESI, and NMR data indicate that the same is found for the Cu(I) complexes of all three ligands. Also, the Cu(II) complexes are monomeric, but with a square arrangement of the ligands around Cu(2+). On changing the oxidation state, the change in the geometrical arrangement is fast and complete in less than 80 ms, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry experiments. In the CV profiles, the oxidation and reduction events take place at separated E(ox) and E(red) values, with no return wave even at the fastest scan rates. In the E(ox)-E(red) interval (which ranges from 450 to 650 mV, depending on the ligand), the ligand/copper system can thus exist in one of its two states, depending on its history, and thus display electrochemical hysteretical behavior. The electrochemical cycle leading from the tetrahedral [Cu(I)(ligand)](+) to the square [Cu(II)(ligand)](2+) complex (and vice versa) is reversible and repeatable without degradation, as checked by coupled UV-vis-controlled potential coulometry experiments.     

Conditions for the formation of copper nanoparticles by reduction of copper(II) ions with hydrazine hydrate solutions

Optimal conditions were found for the preparation of copper nanoparticles in aqueous solution via reduction of copper(II) ions with hydrazine hydrate. The effects of ligand environment of copper(II) in the initial solution (hydrate, ammonia, citrate, and glycine complexes), concentration, pH, surfactants, temperature, and mode of heating were examined. The obtained colloidal systems were studied by optical spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. The examined colloids were found to contain generally spherical copper nanoparticles with a diameter of about 10 nm, which were coated with a copper(I) or copper(II) oxide and hydroxide film.     

Potentiometric behaviour of the copper electrode in aqueous copper(II) perchlorate solutions containing sodium chloride

It is demonstrated that the copper metal electrode corrodes in the presence of copper(II) ions in solution. A model based on mass balance can properly describe the experimental results. In the presence of copper(II) ions the copper electrode responds to copper(I), indicating that the electrode potential corresponds to a mixed potential.     

Endogenous arene hydroxylation promoted by copper(I) cluster helicates

A novel neutral triple-stranded hexanuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [Cu(I)(6)L(3)]·2CH(3)CN derived from a thiosemicarbazone ligand could be synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The MALDI mass spectrum of this complex suggests that the tetranuclear copper(I) cluster helicate [Cu(I)(4)L(2)] is also present in solution. These copper(I) cluster helicates are capable, in the presence of O(2), of hydroxylating the arene linker of their supporting ligand strands. The resulting dinuclear complex [Cu(II)(2)L'(OH)] is formed by two copper(II) centers, a new ligand arising from the hydroxylation reaction, and one hydroxide group. The magnetic investigation of this compound shows a strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two Cu(II) centers. The kinetic studies for the hydroxylation process show values of ΔH(≠)=-70 kJ mol(-1), similar to those mediated by the tyrosinase enzymes.     

The titrimetric determination of copper(I), copper(II) and copper metal in admixture

Summary Copper(I) can be determined in the presence of copper(II) by oxidation with an excess of potassium iodate, the copper(II) being masked with oxalate. The unconsumed iodate is determined iodimetrically and the total copper is then determined on the same solution by demasking with acid and iodide, followed by iodimetric titration. The method can be extended to include elemental copper which can be separated from copper(I) and copper(II) oxides by dissolving the oxides in an ammonium chloride-ascorbic acid solution. The separated copper metal can then be determined by the iodate procedure. The methods are accurate and reproducible and have been applied to the determination of commercial copper(I) chloride, copper powder and partially oxidized copper powder. The relative standard deviation is about 0.35% in the range of 5.8–100 mg of Cu.

---

Trimetrische Bestimmung von Kupfer(I), Kupfer(II) und metallischem Kupfer in Gemischen

Zusammenfassung Cu(I) kann in Gegenwart von Cu(II) durch Oxidation mit überschüssigem Kaliumiodat unter Maskierung des Cu(II) mit Oxalat bestimmt werden. Das unverbrauchte Iodat wird iodometrisch erfaßt und anschließend Gesamtkupfer in derselben Lösung iodometrisch nach Demaskierung mit Säure und Iodid bestimmt. Das Verfahren kann noch auf metallisches Kupfer erweitert werden, das von Cu(I)- und Cu(II)-oxiden abgetrennt wird, indem man letztere in Ammoniumchlorid-Ascorbinsäurelösung löst. Das elementare Kupfer wird dann mit Iodat bestimmt. Die Methoden sind genau und reproduzierbar und sind zur Analyse von handelsüblichem Kupfer(I)-chlorid, Kupferpulver und teilweise oxidiertem Kupferpulver angewendet worden. Die relative Standardabweichung liegt im Bereich von 5,8–100 mg Cu bei 0,35%.

---

---

This paper is respectfully dedicated to Professor Dr. Herbert Weisz on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

---

The authors are grateful to Emeritus Professor Ronald Belcher for his interest in this work.     

Sonochemical synthesis of copper hydride (CuH)

We report the sonochemical synthesis of copper(I) hydride (CuH) by the ultrasonic irradiation of a copper(II) aqueous solution. A reaction mechanism based on the reduction of copper(II) by the ultrasound-generated hydrogen atoms is discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a metal hydride has been synthesized through sonochemistry.     

Surface chemistry and potential response of copper sulfide based ion-selective membrane in ligand solutions

Dissolution of membraneous composite ions of copper sulfide precipitate-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) has been measured in various ligand solutions by ICP atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry from the solution side and by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry on the electrode surface. Asymmetric dissolution, amount of copper dissolved is higher than that of sulfur, was generally observed. The copper dissolution is correlated with the potential response as well as conditional stability constants. The results are discussed in terms of the charge separation caused by the asymmetric dissolution and electrostatic interaction of charged ligands with the space charge on the electrode surface in view of microscopic characterization of ISEs in metal buffer solutions in general. The results were also used to clarify the reason for some discrepancies of complex stability constants obtained by precipitate-based ISEs and other methods.Dedicated to Professor W. Simon on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

CopC protein from Pseudomonas syringae: intermolecular transfer of copper from both the copper(I) and copper(II) sites

The CopC protein from Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato is expressed as one of four proteins encoded by the operon CopABCD that is responsible for copper resistance. It is a small soluble molecule (10.5 kDa) with a beta-barrel structure and features two distinct copper binding sites, which are highly specific for Cu(I) (K(D) > or = 10(-)(13)) and Cu(II) (K(D) approximately 10(-)(15)). These dissociation constants were estimated via ligand competition experiments monitored by electronic spectral and fluorescence probes. The chemistries of the two copper sites are interdependent. When the Cu(II) site is empty, the Cu(I) ion is oxidized by air, but when both sites are occupied, the molecule is stable in air. The availability of an unoccupied site of higher affinity induces intermolecular transfer of either Cu(I) or Cu(II) while maintaining free copper ion concentrations in solution at sub-picomolar levels. This intriguing copper chemistry is consistent with the proposed role of CopC as a copper carrier in the oxidizing periplasmic space. These properties would allow it to exchange either Cu(I) or Cu(II) with its putative partners CopA, CopB, and CopD, contrasting with the role of the Cu(I) (only) chaperones found in the reducing cytoplasm.     

Voltammetry of copper species in estuarine waters induced adsorption of copper on the hanging mercury drop electrode in complexing ligand/surfactant/chloride media

The adsorption of copper species on a positively charged hanging mercury drop electrode in complexing ligand/surfactant/chloride solution is discussed. Techniques used were differential pulse voltammetry of the copper in the adsorbed film, and potential-step reduction of adsorbed copper followed by different pulse anodic stripping voltammetry of Cu(Hg). The CuCl^?₂ species is shown to be the most important copper moiety adsorbed on the electrode and the adsorption is enhanced by organic films. This can be a critical pathway in the reduction of copper(II) in estuarine waters. The induced adsorption of copper in organic layers has biogeochemical implications associated with the nature of organic films and their influence on the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox couple. There are also analytical applications, e.g., the compositional assay of organic monolayers by utilising Cu(II) and Cu(I) adsorption as electoractive probes and the determination of solution copper-organic binding.     

Electrochemical synthesis and structural characterization of a novel mixed-valence copper(I)-copper(II) complex: {[bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II)] bis[diiodocuprate(I)]}

A novel, mixed-valent copper(I)-copper(II) complex, {[bis(ethylene-diamine)copper(II)] bis[diiodocuprate(I)]} (1), has been prepared by electrochemical dissolution of a sacrificial copper anode in a solution of ethylenediamine (en), I2 and tetraethylammoniumperchlorate (TEAP) as supporting electrolyte in acetonitrile (AcN)and characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure determination. The crystal structure of the complex 1 shows that it consists of a CuI2 polymer formed from I- ligands bridging Cu(I) ions, with a nearly square planar geometry of bivalent Cu(II) atoms chelated by two ethylenediamine ligands. The results also show that direct electrosynthesis of the complex had high current efficiency, purity and electrolysis yield.     

Reversible copper(II)/(I) electrochemical potential switching driven by visible light-induced coordinated ring rotation

We here describe the first metal complex system in which electronic signals can be repeatedly extracted by converting bistable states related to an intramolecular ligand rotational motion, which is fueled by visible light. The molecular structure for relating an electron transfer and a motion consists of a copper center and a coordinated unsymmetrically substituted pyrimidine derivative, whose rotational isomerization causes an electrochemical potential shift. To harness light energy effectively through metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excitation, we prepared a simple copper(I) complex coordinated by a 4-methyl-2-(6'-methyl-2'-pyridyl)pyrimidine and a bulky diimine. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of redox and rotational reactions were analyzed by cyclic voltammograms at variable temperatures, by considering four stable isomers related to copper(II)/(I) states and rotational isomeric states. The key feature of this compound is that the rotation is frozen in the copper(I) state (rate constant for the rotation, k(Ii→o) = 10(-4) s(-1)) but is active in the copper(II) state (k(IIi→o) = 10(-1) s(-1)) at 203 K. The compound makes a bypass route to the isomeric metastable copper(I) state, via a tentative copper(II) state formed by photoelectron transfer (PET) in the presence of a redox mediator, decamethylferrocenium ion (DMFc(+)), or upon a partial oxidation of the complex. Light- and heat-driven rotation in the copper(I) state with a potential shift (ΔE°' = 0.14 V) was analyzed by electrochemical measurements of the complex in the solution state. The rotor could be reset to the initial state by heating, thereby completing the cycle and enabling repeated operation fueled by light energy. A significant redox potential shift associated with the copper(II)/(I) transition accompanied the rotation, thereby providing a new type of molecular signaling system.     

A novel binuclear copper(II) complex with fumarate and 1,10-phenanthroline

A MeOH solution of 1,10-phenanthroline reacts with Cu(fum)[fum = (OOCCH = CHCOO)^2–] to yield a novel binuclear copper(II) unsaturated dicarboxylate complex of general formula [Cu₂(fum)(phen)₄](fum) · 11H₂O, whose crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Two copper(II) atoms are bridged by a fumarate group, and each copper(II) atom is coordinated to two 1,10-phenanthroline molecules in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal configuration. The i.r. spectrum shows the presence of the monodentate carboxylate ligand. The electronic reflectance spectrum in the solid state suggest that the d–d transitions of the complex is in a trigonal bipyramidal ligand field. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies suggest that a weak ferromagnetic interaction exists between the two copper(II) atoms when the temperature exceeds 130 K.     

Pyridazine based scorpionate ligand in a copper boratrane compound

Reaction of potassium tris(mercapto-tert-butylpyridazinyl)borate K[Tn(tBu)] with copper(II) chloride in dichloromethane at room temperature led to the diamagnetic copper boratrane compound [Cu{B(Pn(tBu))(3)}Cl] (Pn = pyridazine-3-thionyl) (1) under activation of the B-H bond and formation of a Cu-B dative bond. In contrast to this, stirring of the same ligand with copper(I) chloride in tetrahydrofuran (THF) gave the dimeric compound [Cu{Tn(tBu)}](2) (2) where one copper atom is coordinated by two sulfur atoms and one hydrogen atom of one ligand and one sulfur of the other ligand. Hereby, no activation of the B-H bond occurred but a 3-center-2-electron B-H···Cu bond is formed. The reaction of copper(II) chloride with K[Tn(tBu)] in water gave the same product 2, but a formal reduction of the metal center from Cu(II) to Cu(I) occurred. When adding tricyclohexyl phosphine to the reaction mixture of K[Tn(R)] (R = tBu, Me) and copper(I) chloride in MeOH, the distorted tetrahedral Cu complexes [Cu{Tn(R)}(PCy(3))] (R = tBu 3, Me 4) were formed. Compound 4 is exhibiting an "inverted" κ(3)-H,S,S, coordination mode. The copper boratrane 1 was further investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations for a better understanding of the M→B interaction involving the d(8) electron configuration of Cu.     

Luminescent hexanuclear Cu(I)-cluster for the selective determination of copper

For the first time, the formation of a luminescent hexanuclear cluster has been used for the selective determination of copper. In aqueous solutions, the non-luminescent ligand N-ethyl-N′-methylsulfonylthiourea (EMT) forms an intensely red luminescent hexanuclear Cu(I)-cluster with an emission maximum at 663 nm only with Cu(II) ions. The intensity of the luminescence is proportional to the Cu(II) concentration and allows for selective Cu determinations in the μg l⁻¹-range. Ubiquitous metal ions such as Fe(III), Al(III), Ca(II), Mg(II), and alkaline metal ions, as well as other heavy metal ions, e.g. Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) are tolerated in concentrations up to 50 mg l⁻¹. The detection limit for Cu(II) in aqueous solution, calculated according to Funk et al. [Qualitätssicherung in der Analytischen Chemie, Verlag Chemie, Weinheim, 1992], is 113 μg l⁻¹. The cluster formation has been used for the quantitative analysis of copper in tap water and in industrial water, as well as for the localization of copper adsorbed by activated-sludge flocs.     

Electron-transfer kinetics of copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes

The electron-transfer kinetics for each of three copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes reacting with multiple reducing and oxidizing counter reagents have been examined in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M. For all of the ligands studied, an amine nitrogen serves as the bridgehead atom. Two of the ligands (PMMEA and PEMEA) contain two thioether sulfurs and one pyridyl nitrogen as donor atoms on the appended legs while the third ligand (BPEMEA) has two pyridyl nitrogens and one thioether sulfur. Very limited kinetic studies were also conducted on two additional closely related tripodal ligand complexes. The results are compared to our previous kinetic study on a Cu(II/I) system involving a tripodal ligand (TMMEA) with thioether sulfur donor atoms on all three legs. In all systems, the Cu(II/I) electron self-exchange rate constants (k(11)) are surprisingly small, ranging approximately 0.03-50 M(-)(1) s(-)(1). The results are consistent with earlier studies reported by Yandell involving the reduction of Cu(II) complexes with four similar tripodal ligand systems, and it is concluded that the dominant reaction pathway involves a metastable Cu(II)L intermediate species (designated as pathway B). Since crystal structures suggest that the ligand reorganization accompanying electron transfer is relatively small compared to our earlier studies on macrocyclic ligand complexes of Cu(II/I), it is unclear why the k(11) values for the tripodal ligand systems are of such small magnitude.     

Studies of glycine acetophenone complexes of copper(II), cobalt(II) and oxovanadium(IV)

Complexes of copper(II), cobalt(II) and oxovanadium(IV) with glycine acetophenone Schiff bases were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, magnetic and spectral data. The complexes were shown to have 1:2 (metal:ligand) stoichiometry and were found to be non-electrolytes in solution.     

Ratiometric fluorescent sensor proteins with subnanomolar affinity for Zn(II) based on copper chaperone domains

The ability to image the concentration of transition metals in living cells in real time is important for further understanding of transition metal homeostasis and its involvement in diseases. The goal of this study was to develop a genetically encoded FRET-based sensor for copper(I) based on the copper-induced dimerization of two copper binding domains involved in human copper homeostasis, Atox1 and the fourth domain of ATP7B (WD4). A sensor has been constructed by linking these copper binding domains to donor and acceptor fluorescent protein domains. Energy transfer is observed in the presence of Cu(I), but the Cu(I)-bridged complex is easily disrupted by low molecular weight thiols such as DTT and glutathione. To our surprise, energy transfer is also observed in the presence of very low concentrations of Zn(II) (10(-)(10) M), even in the presence of DTT. Zn(II) is able to form a stable complex by binding to the cysteines present in the conserved MXCXXC motif of the two copper binding domains. Co(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) also induce an increase in FRET, but other, physiologically relevant metals are not able to mediate an interaction. The Zn(II) binding properties have been tuned by mutation of the copper-binding motif to the zinc-binding consensus sequence MDCXXC found in the zinc transporter ZntA. The present system allows the molecular mechanism of copper and zinc homeostasis to be studied under carefully controlled conditions in solution. It also provides an attractive platform for the further development of genetically encoded FRET-based sensors for Zn(II) and other transition metal ions.     

Redox-adaptable copper hosts. Pyridazine-linked cryptands accommodate copper in a range of redox States

A series of structurally characterized copper complexes of two pyridazine-spaced cryptands in redox states + (I,I), (II,I), (II), (II,II) are reported. The hexaimine cryptand L(I) [formed by the 2 + 3 condensation of 3,6-diformylpyridazine with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren)] is able to accommodate two non-stereochemically demanding copper(I) ions, resulting in [Cu(I)(2)L(I)](BF(4))(2) 1, or one stereochemically demanding copper(II) ion, resulting in [Cu(II)L(I)()](BF(4))(2) 3. Complex 3 crystallizes in two forms, 3a and 3b, with differing copper(II) ion coordination geometries. Addition of copper(I) to the monometallic complex 3 results in the mixed-valence complex [Cu(I)Cu(II)L(I)](X)(3) (X = PF(6)(-), 2a; X = BF(4)(-), 2b) which is well stabilized within this cryptand as indicated by electrochemical studies (K(com) = 2.1 x 10(11)). The structurally characterized, octaamine cryptand L(A), prepared by sodium borohydride reduction of L(I), is more flexible than L(I) and can accommodate two stereochemically demanding copper(II) ions, generating the dicopper(II) cryptate [Cu(II)(2)L(A)](BF(4))(4) 4. Electrochemical studies indicate that L(A) stabilizes the copper(II) oxidation state more effectively than L(I); no copper redox state lower than II,II has been isolated in the solid state using this ligand.