Synthesis of copper(II)–lanthanum(III) complex of a dinucleating macrocycle and its hydrolytic property for 4-nitrophenylphosphate

Cu(II)La(III) complex of a dinucleating macrocycle derived from the (2:2) condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 1,3-propanediamine was synthesized and its hydrolytic activity toward 4-nitrophenylphosphate (NPP) was examined in aqueous DMF (DMF:water=9:1) as the first study using d–f heterodinuclear complex. From the comparison of results of the Cu(II)La(III) complex with those of mononuclear La(III), dinuclear Cu(II)Cu(II) and mononuclear Cu(II) complexes, it was suggested that the CuLa heterometal center cooperatively functions in the NPP hydrolysis.