Abstract
Five complexes: Cu(cap)
2
·4H
2
O, Zn(cap)
2
, Cd(cap)
2
·4H
2
O, Pb(cap)
2
and Al(cap)
3
·4H
2
O (where cap is the caproate anion = CH
3
(CH
2
)
4
COO
−
) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), UV-Vis spectra,
1
H NMR and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Using the non-isothermal, Horowitz-Metzger (HM) and Coats-Redfern methods, the kinetic parameters for the non-isothermal degradation of the complexes were calculated using TG data. The infrared and
1
H NMR data are in agreement with coordination through carboxylate, with cap acting as a bridging bidentate ligand. Thermogravimetric analysis of the hydrated complexes shows that the first degradation step is release of water molecules followed by decomposition of the anhydrous complexes, with release of caproate molecules.