Synthesis, structure and catecholase-like activity of a new dicopper(II) complex with benzoylacetonate ligand

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.molcata.2005.03.020

The preparation and characterization of tetranuclear Cu₄(bnac) ₄(μ-OEt)₄ complex is described. Crystallographic characterization of this complex has shown that the co-ordination geometry around copper(II) ions is distorted square pyramidal (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.3980(2) A?, b = 14.6080(2) A?, c = 25.7460(4) A?, α = 90.00°, β = 103.4090(10)°, γ = 90.00°, V = 4901.59(13) A?³, Z = 8). The in situ-generated Cu₂(bnac) ₂(μ-OEt)₄(4R-py)₄ complexes were suitable catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of 3,5-DTBCH₂ to 3,5-DTBQ with dioxygen at ambient condition in good yields. The catalytic activity was found to obey Michaelis-Menten type kinetics and increase with electron-releasing substituent on co-ordinated pyridines.