Photocatalysts are molecules that utilize the energy in sunlight to drive chemical reactions. The copper(II) centered Schiff-base complex CuLN4(ClO4)2, (LN4 = N,N’-bis-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidene)-propane-1,3-diamine), is similar to the phorphyrin ring prosthetic group found in many metalloenzymes, including chlorophyll. Thus, the interest of this complex is its structural similarity to chlorophyll. The condensation reaction between 1,3-diaminopropane and 2-acetylpyridine in methanol yields the LN4 species. Addition of a concentrated methanolic solution of a copper(II) salt to the LN4 solution rapidly precipitates the raw product, which is purified via recrystallization from a concentrated acetonitrile solution by diffusion of diethyl ether vapor. Through UV-vis spectroscopy and colorimetric titration it can be seen that four molar equivalents of hydrochloric acid react completely with the CuLN4(ClO4)2. When the solution is balanced for ionic strength in 1.0 M NaCl, rapid-mixing kinetic data suggests at least a two-step mechanism. The data is consistent with an A + B à I + D (k1); I + B à P + D (k2) mechanism, where the B and D are colorless in the visible region of the spectrum.

Reaction of a copper(II) centered Schiff-base complex with strong acid: A kinetic investigation

2019 Spring National Meeting

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