Abstract

The coordinatively unsaturated copper (II) complexes of 1,3-bis(2'-pyridyl)-1,2-diaza-2- butene with different ancillary anions were synthesized which can bind to copper centers of tyrosinase enzyme. The compounds were found to exhibit inhibitory activities against mushroom tyrosinase and the nature and extent of inhibition is modulated according to the type of ancillary anions.