Synthesis, crystal structure and superoxide dismutase mimetic activity of hexakis (N-methylimidazole) copper(II) salicylate

The complex hexakis (N-methylimidazole) copper(II) salicylate, [Cu(N-meim)6](sal)2, has been prepared from the reaction of copper(II) aspirinate with N-methylimidazole and was crystallographically and spectroscopically characterized. The complex crystallizes in the space group P21/c with a=13.324(2), b=7.870(1) and c=20.039(3) Å and β=108.41(1)°. It is structure that of a tetragonally distorted octahedral copper(II) cation with six coordinated N-methylimidazole ligands and two salicylate counter ions. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity of the complex has been investigated by utilizing xanthine–xanthine oxidase assay. The results indicate that the complex is potent SOD mimic.