The first cubane-like complex of copper based on N-carboxyethyl-tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane: Synthesis and crystal structure

Abstract

The interaction of acrylic acid with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (I) was studied. A simple method was suggested for preparing N-carboxyethyl-tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (homotricin) (II). On the basis of compound II, the 1:1 Cu complex, [Cu(OCH₂C(CH₂OH)₂NHCH₂CH₂COO)]₄·nH₂O (n = 4–11.25) (III), which is alkoxycarboxylate, was synthesized. The crystal structure of III was found to correspond to a cubane-like tetranuclear cluster (an automated Bruker X8Apex diffractometer with CCD detector (MoK _α radiation, graphite monochromator, ϑ = 1.11°−27.5°), 8016 reflections, space group P $\overline 1$, a = 12.5573(3), b = 19.1012(4), c = 21.2903(5) Å, α = 80.7770(10)°, β = 75.7430(10)°, γ = 75.2260(10)°, V = 4761.62(19) ų, ρ(calcd.) = 1.704 g/cm³, Z = 4). The crystals are unstable due to the large number of water molecules.