Synthesis and reactivity of copper(i) amidinate complexes
Abstract
[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Group 11 transition metals are used daily throughout our bodies and as additives in many common products. One biological function of copper, a group 11 metal, is its use in the CuA site of cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme found in the last step of cellular respiration. To model this active site, three formamidinate ligands have been examined: 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, and 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl. The synthesis and structural characterization of these dinuclear Cu(I) complexes is described as well as their redox chemistry with I2 to afford complexes of mixed-valence which is the normal resting state of the CuA site. Using EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations on the iodine oxidized products, different electronic structures based on the formamidinate was found. Additionally, insertion of CS2 into the copper-nitrogen bonds of the copper(I) formamidinate complexes produces tetra- and hexanuclear clusters based on the steric properties of the ligand.
Degree
M.S.
Thesis Department
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