Synthesis,spectroscopic and voltammetric studies of mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes of amino acids

Two Cu^II complexes of the type Cu(L¹)(L²)] (where L¹ = tryptophanate or phenylalaninate; L² = cysteine thiolate) have been prepared and characterised, and their spectrophotometric and voltammetric behaviour has been investigated. The results obtained by means of FT-IR, e.s.r., u.v.–vis. spectroscopy and by voltammetry revealed the existence of two different Cu(L¹)(L²)] complexes. A significance decrease in the g _|| value and, concomitantly, an increase in the d–d transition energy was observed when a mixed-ligand complex is present. The observed anisotropic g-values indicate the presence of Cu^II in a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry. Formation of a mixed-ligand copper complex can be considered as a type of synergism in the presence of cysteine. The redox state Cu^II or Cu^I of copper in the Cu(L²) complex depends on the analysing conditions, i.e., cysteine forms a Cu^II complex under aerobic conditions and a Cu^I complex in anaerobic media. Tryptophan or phenylalanine is bound to Cu^II ions in the Cu(L¹) complexes.