The reactions of the Cu(II)-nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) complex with alkyl radicals in aqueous solutions

The reactions of the radicals [rad]R, [rad]R = [rad]CH₃ or [rad]CH₂OH, with the complex Cu^II(ntp)(H₂O) were studied. The kinetics of formation of the transient complexes (ntp)Cu^III-R fit pseudo first order rate laws. The mechanism of decomposition of the transient complex (ntp)Cu^III-CH₃ at pH ≥ 7 involves homolysis of the Cu^III-C bond. However, at pH < 6 the decomposition mechanisms of the transient complexes (ntp)Cu^III-R involve inter-molecular electron transfer to Cu^II(ntp)(H₂O) and slow intra-molecular electron transfer.