Superoxide dismutase activity and electrochemical study of the binuclear [Cu(TSA)2py]2 complex

The superoxide dismutase-mimetic activity and the electrochemical behavior of the binuclear complex [Cu(TSA)2py]2 is reported. The complex exhibits a marked SOD activity in the nitroblue tetrazolium assay. Its redox response is in agrement with two copper atoms partially coupled through the carboxylate moieties. The electrode reactions lie in the range of the superoxide/peroxide and oxygen/superoxide couples. This fact is indicative that this complex can act as catalyst for the SOD reaction.