Catalytic catechol oxidation by copper complexes: development of a structure-activity relationship

Erica C M Ording-Wenker, Maxime A Siegler, Martin Lutz, Elisabeth Bouwman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A large library of Cu(II) complexes with mononucleating and dinucleating ligands was synthesized to investigate their potential as catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC). X-ray structure determination for a number of these complexes revealed relatively large Cu···Cu distances and the formation of polymeric species. Comparison of the 3,5-DTBC oxidation rates showed that ligands that stabilize the biomimetic dinuclear Cu(II) μ-thiolate complex also result in copper compounds that are much more active in the oxidation of 3,5-DTBC. This oxidation activity is however inhibited by the presence of chloride ions. The highest kcat that was observed was 6900 h(-1), which is one of the highest turnover frequencies reported so far for catechol oxidation in CH3CN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12196-209
Number of pages14
JournalDalton Transactions
Volume44
Issue number27
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jul 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Catalytic catechol oxidation by copper complexes: development of a structure-activity relationship'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this