Experimental and theoretical investigations of a ferrous / ascorbate complex

Abstract

The importance of trace metal ions in biological processes has been known for some time, but the role of chelating molecules in the human body is a comparatively new and interesting field of research Schubert, j., 1966, Scientific American, 214, no. 5, 40. Among the important complexes occuring in the body are haemoglobin, containing iron, and vitamin B-12, containing cobalt, both essential to human health. Other well-known naturally occuring complexes include cytochrome oxidase, containing both iron and copper, and chlorophyll, containing magnesium. The transition metal ions of the First Transition Series are well-known for their ability to form complexes with suitable ligands, and in particular with chelate ligands which can seize the metal ion like a claw (chele means claw in Greek). Many of these complexes have been characterized experimentally, and their properties interpreted by theoretical calculations. However, the complexes arising from biological systems are much more difficult to study, partly because of their greater size and special properties.