Studies on PNPP Hydrolysis Catalyzed by Schiff Base Cobalt(II) Complexes

Two cobalt(II) complexes of the Schiff base with morpholino or aza-crown ether pendants, CoL1 and CoL2, as mimic hydrolytic metalloenzyme, were used in catalytic hydrolysis of carboxylic ester (PNPP). The analysis of specific absorption spectra of the hydrolytic reaction systems indicates that key intermediates, made up of PNPP and Co(II) complexes, have been formed in reaction processes of the PNPP catalytic hydrolysis. The mechanism of PNPP catalytic hydrolysis has been proposed based on the analytic result of specific absorption spectrum. A kinetic mathematical model, applied to the calculation of the kinetic parameter of PNPP catalytic hydrolysis, has been established based on the mechanism proposed. The acid effect of buffer solution, structural effect of the complexes, and effect of temperature on the rate of PNPP hydrolysis catalyzed by the complexes have been also discussed.