Multi-copper oxidases possess an unusual triangular copper complex; ceruloplasmin is an example. Ceruloplasmin oxidizes iron from the ferrous state to the ferric state, assisting in iron transport. This oxidation is coupled with the reduction of dioxygen to water, the mechanism of which is unclear. In order to elucidate more the mechanism of reduction, this study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel copper (I) complex with a new tapma-based ligand. This tapma ligand is modeled after the tris (2-pyridylmethyl) amine-based (tpma) ligand family where nitrogen based donors are employed. This tapma ligand is synthesized from 1,3,5-tris(azidomethyl)-2,4,6-triethylbenzene in a click chemistry step; the tri-substituted ethyl groups force the nitrogen ligand branches to adopt a conformation that brings the nitrogenous bases close to each other. NMR interpretation showed production of the desired ligand. Once the copper is bound to the ligand, crystallographic and spectroscopic studies follow to elucidate the starting and intermediate structures.

Synthesis and characterization of a model multi-copper oxidase

255th National Meeting (2018)

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