Zeolite Encaged Cu(Histidine) Complexes as Mimics of Natural Cu Enzymes

Abstract

Epoxidations of olefins and oxidations of alcohols can be carried out in the presence of peroxides at relatively low temperatures with Cu2+ histidine complexes that have been immobilized in zeolite cavities (structure from molecular modeling shown on the right). Combined diffuse reflectance and ESR spectroscopic studies reveal the presence of three nitrogen atoms in the first coordination sphere of Cu2+.