Synthesis, structure and redox properties of an unexpected trinuclear copper(II) complex with aspartame: [Cu(apm)2Cu(μ-N,O:O′-apm)2(H2O)Cu(apm)2(H2O)] · 5H2O

Structural, magnetic and spectroscopic data of a new trinuclear copper(II) complex with the ligand aspartame (apm) is reported. [Cu(apm)2Cu(μ-N,O:O′-apm)2(H2O)Cu(apm)2(H2O)] · 5H2O crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 (#1). EPR spectra and CV curves indicate a rupture of the trinuclear framework when this complex is dissolved in ethanol or DMF, forming a mononuclear species, with a tetragonal structure.