Equilibrium and structural studies on metal complexes of carbohyrates and their derivatives

A summary is presented of the studies of our group on metal complexes of carbohydrates (aldoses, ketoses, mono-, di- and polysaccharides) and their derivatives (aldonic, alduronic acids, polyalcohols, amino sugars, amino acid sugar adducts, AMP, ATP, etc.). The results are reported of equilibrium, electrochemical, solution and solid-state structural studies of complexes of transition metals [Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ag(I), Mn in different oxidation states and organotin(IV)]. The structural parameters (coordination number, bond distance, and Debye-Waller factor) obtained by extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic (EXAFS) spectroscopy are discussed in detail. The general rules concerning the formation and structure of such complexes are emphasized.