Catecholase Activity of a Mn(III) Complex: An Approach through¹H‐NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

A mononuclear Mn(III) complex, [MnIIIL(Cl)], has been synthesized using a newly explored Schiff base ligand, H2L. Both of them have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray crystallography, UV‐Vis spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly the complex behaved as a model of catechol oxidase toward oxidation of 3,5‐Di‐tert‐butyl catechol to the corresponding quinone. The progress of the oxidation process has been monitored with the help of 1H‐NMR spectroscopy after stirring the reaction mixture in methanol for 2 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours and 48 hours at room temperature. NMR spectral data confirmed completion of the process after 48 hours. Kinetic investigations were carried out in two different solvents, methanol‐water mixture and acetonitrile to check the effect of solvent on the rate of reaction, if any. A greater turnover number was obtained in acetonitrile than methanol‐water medium.