The formation constants of mixed-ligand complexes with hetero donors of the type CuAB where A is a carboxylic acid such as lactic acid or oxalic acid and B is an α−or β-amino acid are studied by polarography. The mixed-ligand stabilisation constant clearly indicates the preferred formation of copper(II) mixedligand complexes with hetero donors over homo donors. The other driving forces leading to the favoured formation of mixed-ligand complexes are also discussed.
