Tripodal and/or picket porpyrins to mimic the cytochrome c oxidase activity
Abstract
The efficiency of different series of tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine TREN-capped porphyrins as catalysts for the electroreduction of dioxygen has been studied after adsorption of the molecules at the surface of a graphite electrode. The influence of two structural features have been explored: the relative position of the two metals in the iron-copper bimetallic complexes and the nature of the benzyl groups of the tripod itself. These compounds have also been compared with picket porphyrins bearing aromatic amino functions, e.g. quinoline. The conclusions obtained in the case of TREN-capped catalysts cannot be extended to those bearing aromatic pickets. Copyright © 2003 Society of Porphyrins & Phthalocyanines.