Mimicking Peroxidase Activity by a Manganese(II) Complex Involving a New Asymmetric Tetradentate Ligand Containing Both Amino and Imino Groups

The asymmetric ligand (E)-4-bromo-2-(((2-((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzyl)(methyl)amino)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenol has been prepared by a novel seven-step route. All organic compounds isolated in each step have been characterised by elemental analysis, infrared and H-1 NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Interaction of this ligand with manganese has been investigated employing an electrochemical method. This method leads to the formation of a neutral manganese(II) complex 7 in high yield and purity. The complex has been thoroughly characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and cyclic voltammetry. Complex 7 behaves as peroxidase mimic in the presence of the water-soluble trap ABTS, probably due to its ease to coordinate the substrate molecule.