Paramagnetic (2)H NMR techniques have been utilized to study the mechanism of formation of the oxo-bridged trinuclear Cr(III) carboxylate assembly [Cr3O(O2CCD3)6(H2O)3](+) from [Cr(H2O)6](3+) and d4-acetic acid. These studies reveal a complex mechanism dominated by the involvement of dinuclear intermediates. The oxo-bridged trinuclear Cr(III) carboxylate assembly [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3](+) has been suggested for use as a chromium nutritional supplement and therapeutic agent as it is readily absorbed and has been proposed to enter cells intact. The paramagnetic (2)H NMR technique has been utilized to follow the stability of this Cr(III) carboxylate assembly in biologically relevant media; its stability is consistent with the assembly being able to enter cells intact.
Keywords: Acetate; Chromium; Cr3; Propionate.
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