Abstract
Complex formation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, Tren, with both Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions in aqueous solution was investigated spectroscopically by using H-1 NMR and UV-visible titrations as well as electrochemically by using cyclic voltammetry. Analysis of the titration data indicated that the aqua complexes [(Tren)Zn(OH2)](ClO4)(2) 1 and [(Tren)Cu(OH2)](ClO4)(2) 2 deprotonate at pH = 10.6 and 9.7, forming the dinuclear bridged hydroxo species {[(Tren)Zn](2)(mu-OH)}(3+) 3 and {[(Tren)Cu](2)(mu-OH)}(3+) 4, respectively. The catalytic hydrolysis of the activated phosphate ester tris(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (TNPP) by using these model complexes was examined and the released phenolate anions were determined by using spectroscopic and electroanalytical techniques.