Model for the reduced Schiff base intermediate between amino acids and pyridoxal: Copper(II) complexes of N-(2-hydroxbenzyl)amino acids with nonpolar side chains and the crystal structures of [Cu(N-(2-hydroxbenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(phen)]center dot H2O and [Cu(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(imidazole)]

Copper(II) complexes with reduced Schiff base ligands of amino acids possessing nonpolar side chains with salicylaldehyde have been synthesized. Ternary complexes with imidazole, 1,10-phenanthroline, and pyridine have been prepared and characterized for N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine. The crystal structures of [(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(II)] monohydrate ([Cu(SAla)phen]. H2O) and [(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(imidazole)Cu(II)] ([Cu(SAla)Him]), have been determined. [Cu(SAla)phen]. H2O crystallized in space group <P(1)over bar>, with a = 8.718(2) Angstrom, b = 10.886(3) Angstrom, c = 11.693(2) Angstrom, alpha = 71.32(2)degrees, beta = 85.27(2)degrees, gamma = 70.21(2)degrees, and Z = 2. The copper atom is five coordinate, with SAla acting as a tridentate ONO chelator through the carboxylato and phenolato oxygens and the amine nitrogen. The remaining donors are provided by the phen nitrogens. [Cu(SAla)Him] crystallized in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.353(1) Angstrom, b = 6.714(1) Angstrom, c = 18.769(2) Angstrom, beta = 91.71(1)degrees, and Z = 4. The copper atom is four coordinate, with SAla acting as a tridentate ONO chelator with the neutral imidazole moiety coordinated through nitrogen. In both complexes the ligand has two chiral centers due to the coordination of the N. Molecular mechanics calculations show that unfavorable steric interactions would occur in the nonobserved R,R and S,S diastereomers. Compounds prepared have been characterized by a range of physicochemical techniques. The complexes may serve as stable models for the intermediates in enzymatic amino acid transformations.