Synthesis,characterization and function of ternary copper(II) complexes

Ternary complexes of glycine, alanine, -alanine, serine and ethylenediamine with copper iminodiacetate have been prepared and characterized by their i.r., u.v.-vis. and e.s.r. spectra. The data suggest that the complexes possess axial symmetry and a distorted octahedral configuration in aqueous solution. The H2O molecule on the axial copper site can be replaced by O2–. The bonding parameters, which fall between 0.84 and 0.88, indicate that the bonds between copper(II) and the ligands possess more ionic character. The ternary complex containing serine displays the highest catalytic activity in dismutation of the superoxide radical O2–. This activity may be explained on the basis of the stabilization of CuII-O2– by hydrogen bonding.