The influence of functionalized ligands on the electron-transfer abilities of copper guanidinoquinoline complexes as entatic state models has been examined. An electron donating group (OCH 3 ) or electron withdrawing group (Br) was introduced in 6-position of the quinoline unit of the ligands TMGqu and DMEGqu. The electron self-exchange rates k 11 of the copper complexes with these ligands were determined using the Marcus cross relation. The k 11 values of the functionalized complexes are smaller or equal to the values of their unsubstituted forms. These results were complemented by the examination of the reorganization energies of the electron-transfer via Eyring theory and DFT calculations. The higher reorganization energies [a] 4998 Figure 2. Copper(I) and copper(II) guanidinoquinoline complexes C1-C8 with substituent in 6-position (X = Br, OMe) of the quinoline unit.

Bio-based monomers are produced in a two-step process starting from common platform chemicals. The heterogeneously catalyzed reduction of bio-based acids into 2-pyrrolidones makes for a promising drop-in technology for the industrial NVP production.