Catalase and Peroxidase Activity of Cu2+ Complexes

Abstract The relation between the structure of Cu 2+ complexes and their catalytic activity in the decomposition of H 2 O 2 can be used as a “molecular probe”, since it allows the deduction of the number of coordinated ligand groups in a Cu 2+ complex from its catalytic activity. Since only coordinated ligand groups are oxidized by H 2 O 2 , further information about the coordination sphere of the metal ion can be obtained from the oxidation of certain parts of a ligand, which can be followed spectrophotometrically. The Cu 2+ complexes of amides, polyamino acids, nucleotides, RNA, and native and denatured DNA have been investigated in this way. Kinetic studies provide an insight into the mechanisms of catalase and peroxidase reactions.