SPECTROSCOPIC AND ELECTROCHEMICAL-BEHAVIOR OF AQUA-GLYCYLGLYCINATO-IMIDAZOLE-COPPER(II), A MODEL-COMPOUND FOR CU(II) CARNOSINE INTERACTIONS/

The title complex appears as a very good model for each of the two sub units which constitute the Cu(II) complex of carnosine, investigated i n a previous paper. The electronic (reflectance), vibrational, and ESR spectra of both species were compared in detail. The ESR spectrum sho ws the typical characteristics of a g-tensor with rhombic symmetry, an d the present results confirms that the unusual ESR behavior of the di meric Cu(II)/carnosine complex were originated in an exchange mechanis m. The electrochemical behavior of the complex was investigated by cyc lic voltammetry. A comparison of the results with those previously obt ained for the Cu(II)/carnosine complex brings new evidence for the exi stence of a monomeric species in Cu(II)/carnosine solutions at room te mperature.