The chemistry and biochemistry of the copper-radical interaction

This Perspective describes the plausible oxidation state combinations of Cu-n/L-m systems where L-m is an O- or N-based redox system with a paramagnetic intermediate such as O-2(.-), NO., phenoxyl, o-semiquinone or azo radical anion. The biochemical relevance is discussed using superoxide dismutase, nitrite reductase, galactose oxidase and amine oxidase enzyme examples. Particular emphasis will be given to the identification of oxidation states and to the manifestations of intramolecular electron transfer in enzymes and model compounds.