Catalase-like catalytic reaction of the dinuclear manganese–salen complex

Catalase-like activity of a dinuclear manganese-salen (Mn–salen) complex, [Mn(salen)(H2O)]2(ClO4)2 (salen = N,N ′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-diaminoethane), was investigated. The dinuclear Mn–salen complex exhibits higher catalase-like activity than that of the mononuclear Mn–salen compound, and its activity can be enhanced by an external base. Different reaction intermediates in the presence and absence of an external base were observed, and the catalytically active species was dimeric as evidenced by UV-Vis spectroscopic studies and mass spectrometry data.