Spectroelectrochemical studies of nuclease-active zinc(II) coordination compounds from the ligands Hpyramol and Hpyrimol

The electrochemical oxidation of four zinc(II) coordination compounds from the ligands 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (Hpyramol) and 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (Hpyrimol) with chloride or acetate as counter-ions has been studied by in situ spectroelectrochemistry in dimethylformamide (DMF). Low-temperature EPR studies of electrolyte solutions of all zinc compounds indicate the presence of a phenoxyl radical with a g-value in the range 2.070–2.099, which is illustrative for an electron delocalization over the metal centre. The final product of this oxidative process is shown to be a benzoquinone methide derivative.