ABSTRACT
Copper may have three biochemically important oxidation states: Cu(III), Cu(II), and Cu(I). Recognition of the importance of these oxidation states in copper-dependent enzyme systems has resulted in synthesis and characterization of many copper complexes in attempts to model their active sites. There is also growing awareness that copper complexes are physiologically important transport forms of copper and that they may be pharmacologically important in the treatment of chronic diseases. 1 , 2 Many copper complexes have been found to be effective treatment in animal models of inflammations, ulcers, convulsions, cancers, diabetes, neoplasms, and radiation-induced lethality. 3 - 6 Reports of superoxide dismutase activity of these complexes may in part account for these pharmacological effects 5 and has generated further interest in their synthesis and physicochemical properties.
