Trans- and cis- cobalt(III), iron(III), and chromium(III) complexes based on α- and γ-diimine Schiff base ligands: Synthesis and evaluation of the complexes as catalysts for oxidation of L-cysteine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/zaac.200700578

The synthesis of a new series of trans and racemic cis isomers of cobalt(III)-, iron(III)-, and chromium(III)-based complexes with the α- and γ-diimine Schiff base ligands, N,N′-bis(X)-2,3-butandiimine and N,N′-bis(X)-1,2-phenyldiimine (X = cyclohexyl, 2-isopropylphenyl, 1-naphthyl) is described. To confirm the identity of the complexes prepared in the present study, a variety of techniques including elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, infrared-, mass- (EI), and UV/Vis- spectroscopy have been utilized. Some of the isolated complexes have been evaluated as catalysts for the oxidation of L-cysteine. Preliminary results showed that the metal atoms, geometry of the complexes, auxiliary substituents, and the backbone of the ligand influenced the rate of oxidation reaction.