Synthesis, Characterization, and Catechol Oxidase Activity of Cu (II) Complexes Derived From New Imidazolidine Derivatized Ligands

Abstract

Abstract-The synthesis and full characterization of two imidazolidine derivatives and their copper complexes are described. The corresponding copper complexes generated in situ were found to be suitable catalysts for the oxidation of catechol substrate to quinone with the dioxygen specie at ambient conditions, thus mimicking the role of catechol oxidases. The complexes catalyzed the oxidation reaction with a rate varying from 1.03 μ mol L−1 min−1 for the H5L2 [Cu(CH3CO2)2] complex to 0.3 μ mol L−1 min−1 for H5L1 [CuCl2]. Finally, a theoretical study was achieved using the functional density theory (DFT), and stressing on the global and local nucleophilicity indexes.