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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Positron Emission Tomography Using 64-Copper as a Tracer for the Study of Copper-Related Disorders
Published on: April 28, 2023
Complex formation equilibria of polyamine ligands with copper(II) and zinc(II)
Valeria M Nurchi1, Guido Crisponi1, Gavino Sanna2
1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, IT-09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
Abstract:
A comprehensive study of the protonation equilibria of a series of polyamine ligands along with their complex formation equilibria with Cu2+ and Zn2+ is reported in this work. The primary aim of this study has been the achievement of homogeneous thermodynamic data on these ligands, in order to evaluate their influence on the homeostatic equilibria of essential metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+) in biological fluids. These polyamines are largely used as linkers in the building of chelating agents for iron overload. Potentiometric and spectrophotometric techniques were used for the characterization of protonation and complex formation constants. In addition, the characterization of the formed complexes is discussed together with selected solid-state crystal structures, remarking the influence of the length of the chain and of the linear or tetradentate tripod nature of the polyamine ligands on the stability of the complexes.
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