The iron-selective chelator desferal can reduce chelated copper.

It was shown that the iron-selective chelator desferal (desferrioxamine mesylate:DFO) can reduce Cu(II) as judged by measuring the formation of the complex between Cu(I) and a specific chelator for this species, neocuproine (NC), in phosphate buffer. It was found that under optimal conditions, 3 moles of Cu(II) could be reduced per mole of DFO. Studies of the kinetics of Cu(II) reduction by DFO revealed that the rate of Cu(II) reduction by DFO was considerably slower than that by ascorbate. In the case of both reductants, even in the absence of NC, Cu(I) complexes remained in aqueous solutions for at least 30 min. DFO could also reduce Cu complexed to histidine. The results presented highlight the interpretive dangers which can arise in studies involving multiple transition metals, especially in the presence of multiple chelators. Specifically, when desferal is used, it is important to be aware that any copper present may become reduced, and that any Cu(I) formed might participate in ongoing redox reactions.