Determination of Stability Constants and Thermodynamic parameters of Cefotaxime –Fe(III) Complex at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Cefotaxime, a β-lactam antibiotic, has a structure which enables it to act as a chelating agent. The formation of Fe(III) complex with cefotaxime has been studied colorimetrically at an absorption maximum of 480 nm at different temperatures. The data showed that Fe(III) and cefotaxime combine in the molar ratio of 1:1 at pH 7.4 with ionic strength maintained using 0.1M KNO3. The stability constants of the complex were calculated to be 1.56 - 1.90 x 104 by continuous variation method and 1.34 - 1.71 x 104 by mole ratio method at 25 and 40 oC respectively. ∆HƟ values for the complex were calculated to be -1.02 x 104 and -1.05 x 104 J by continuous variation method and mole ratio method respectively. ∆GƟ of the complex were calculated to be -2.44 – (-2.51) x 104 J by continuous variation method and -2.41- (- 2.48) x 104 J by mole ratio method at 25 and 40 oC. ∆SƟ of the complex were calculated to be 2.44 - 2.51 x 104 J/K by continuous variation method and -2.41 -2.48) x 104 J/K by mole ratio method at 25 and 40 oC respectively. Cefotaxime is a good chelating agent and can be an efficient antidote in the therapy of copper overload or poisoning.