Spectral studies of dimeric copper(II) complexes of acid amide derivatives as models for type III copper enzymes

Dimeric (hydrated and anhydrated) complexes of Cu(II) with N,N'-bis(3-carboxy-1-oxo-2-prop-2-enyl)ethylenediamine(BCOPENH(2), A) and N,N'-bis(2-carboxy-1-oxo-phenylenyl)ethylenediamine(BCOPHENH(2), B) have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR, thermal and spectral (IR, UV/Vis) studies. EPR parameters and magnetic behaviour indicates that the complexes are antiferromagnetic in nature and most likely adopt the typical carboxylate cage structure. Interesting amide bonding patterns have been observed and various EPR parameters have been evaluated on the basis of these studies, tentative probable structures of the complexes have been proposed.