The isomers of α-amino-acids with copper(II). Part 5. The cis and trans isomers of bis(glycinato)copper(II), and their novel thermal isomerization

Abstract

The crystalline trans isomer of bis(glycinato)copper(II) is, contrary to many reports, a monohydrate. The dehydration of the solid cis-monohydrate at sufficiently high temperatures leads to the anhydrous trans complex, which readily rehydrates to give the trans-monohydrate, a useful preparative technique. Kinetic and thermo-chemical studies have been made on the loss of water from the cis isomer and possible mechanisms for the reaction are discussed.