Dinuclear Zn Complex: Phenoxyl Radical Formation Driven by Superoxide Coordination

Abstract The dinuclear zinc complex Zn2L2 (HL=2‐{[[di(2‐pyridyl)methyl](methyl)amino]methyl}phenol) has been synthesized and isolated as colorless crystals. The interaction of the compound with superoxide in anhydrous organic solvents has been evaluated by CV, stopped‐flow Uv‐vis, EPR and ESI‐MS suggesting the binding and the activation of the coordinated superoxide, thanks to the Lewis acidity of the Zn(II) centers. The results obtained in this study highlight the formation of a Zn2L2−O2.− intermediate and a metastable phenoxyl‐radical driven by the coordinated superoxide.