Copper(II) complexes of (<i>R</i>,<i>S</i>)-alpha-hydroxymethylornithine and its N^delta-benzoyl derivative

Abstract

Complex formation between copper(II) and (R,S)-α-hydroxymethylornithine of (R,S)-Nα-benzoyl-α-hydroxymethylornithine was studied in aqueous solution by potentiometric and spectroscopic (electron paramagnetic resonance and electronic absorption) techniques. The results show that the α-hydroxymethyl derivatives of ornithine are coordinated through the alcoholic group to the copper(II) ion in basic solution. Deprotonation and coordination of the α-hydroxymethyl group occurs and yields species with the amino and/or carboxylato groups also bound to the metal ion