A study on the mimics of Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase with high activity and stability: two copper(ii) complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane with benzimidazole groups

Abstract

Two copper(II) complexes [CuL¹Cl]ClO₄ and [CuL²MeCN](ClO₄)₂·H₂O were synthesized (L¹ = 1-(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, L² = 1,4-bis(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonone). The benzimidazole groups were N-substituents of tacn, and the complexes are more stable than their parents. They are able to catalyse the dismutation of superoxide anion in aqueous solutions at physiological pH and in bovine serum albumin solution (0.5 mg ml⁻¹). X-ray structure analysis and EPR and electronic spectra show that the structure of complex 2 is more similar to the Cu(II) centre of Cu₂Zn₂SOD than that of 1. Comparing with other Cu(II) complexes, the complex 2 possesses both high SOD activity and highly thermodynamic stability.