Spectroscopic studies of electronic structure of copper(II) ethanolamine complexes in solutions and in impregnated wood

Optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded for a series of Cu(II) complexes with monoethanolamine (EA) and the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride in aqueous solution with H3BO3 which are tested as modem impregnating solutions for wood preservation. It is proved that in aqueous solutions of Cu-EA the octahedral complexes I, Cu(EA)(2)(H2O)(2), exist with water in apical positions. The addition of the QAC results in an exchange of water for nitrogen of the QAC molecules with a possible partial destruction of the coordinating molecule (complex II). The detailed electronic structure is determined for both species I and II. Boric acid does not influence the complex structures. In the treated wood (Pinus silvestris L.) the complex I is destroyed and Cu(EA)(2) is attached to the OH groups of cellulose molecules, forming a stable complex. The complexes II still exist in wood, but with higher-concentration impregnating solution a part of these complexes is destroyed by coordination to the OH groups of cellulose molecules.