Copper(II) complexes of (R,S)-α-hydroxymethylornithine and its Nδ-benzoyl derivative

Abstract Complex formation between copper(II) and ( R,S )-α-hydroxymethylornithine of ( R,S )- N δ -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 car☐ylato groups also bound to the metal ion.