Synthesis of two dicopper(II) complexes of l-carnitine: The first structural determination of a metal complex containing l-carnitine

Two dimeric copper(II) complexes of the biologically important compound l-carnitine were isolated from ethanolic and aqueous solutions with formulas [Cu2(l-carnitine)2Cl2(H2O)2] · Cl2 (complex 1) and [Cu2(l-carnitine)4(H2O)2] · (ClO4)4 · H2O · CH2Cl2 (complex 2), respectively. Complex 1 was characterized in solid state by elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG, DTG), IR and EPR as well as in solution with cationic and anionic ESMS, EPR, NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopies. For complex 2, crystals were isolated after recrystallization and characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopies.

The first crystal structure of a metal complex containing l-carnitine is described. Two dicopper(II) complexes with formulas [Cu2(l-carnitine)2Cl2(H2O)2] · Cl2 (complex 1) and [Cu2(l-carnitine)4(H2O)2] · (ClO4)4 · H2O · CH2Cl2 (complex 2) were isolated from ethanolic and aqueous solutions, respectively. The complexes were characterized by several techniques, while the structure of complex 2 was identified by X-ray crystallography.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide