The metabolism of copper ions is widespread among living systems.
Copper – protein complexes have many and various roles in biological electron transport and oxygen transportation systems, processes that exploit the easy interconversion of Cu(I) and Cu(II).
To help in the understanding of the binding of the ion in biopolymers, the prototype compounds of cupric ions with amino acids have been extensively studied.
This practical involves the preparation of 2 isomers of copper and glycine. At CfE level, it stops there but the Advanced Higher version goes on to examine them by means of infra-red spectroscopy.
Copper Amino Complexes Experiment Guide CfE
Copper Amino Complexes Experiment Guide AH
Copper Amino Complexes Teacher’s Guide
