Synthesis, chemical speciation and SOD mimic assays of tricarballylic acid-copper(II) and imidazole-tricarballylic acid-copper(II) complexes.

The coordination behavior of copper(II) with tricarballylic acid (H(3)TCA) and imidazole (Imz) is described. Speciation in aqueous solution has been determined at 25 degrees C and 0.15M NaCl ionic strength by potentiometric measurements and EPR characterization of the species. Two new compounds CuTCAH.3H(2)O and CuTCAHImz.2H(2)O were obtained and characterized by elemental analysis diffuse reflectance, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), EPR and thermal behavior. Their in vitro superoxide dismutase-mimetic activities have been tested.