The research project involves the synthesis of a ligand that will serve as a model for the oxygen reducing trinuclear active sites found in multi-copper oxidases, such as laccase and ceruloplasmin. We selected a potential ligand, 1,3,5-tri(2-pyridylmethyltriazole) -2,4,6-triethyl benzene, abbreviated Ltapma, to be the ligand scaffold for this research to bind with three Cu(I) ions and then to bind with oxygen molecules. Our immediate goal for this research is to synthesize and purify the proposed ligand, and bind it to Cu(I) ions to obtain the structure of the tri-copper complex. The reaction of this complex with oxygen will also be explored. By studying these structures, we hope to gain insight into the binding motif of oxygen in these enzymes, which may lead to a better understanding of their functions.

Synthesis and characterization of biomimetic models of multi-copper active sites

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.