Tetrameric copper(II) halide compounds containing (R,S)- and (S)-1-amino-2-propanolate ions

Summary Compounds with the composition CuXL, in which X=Cl^– or Br^– and L=R,S-1-amino-2-propanol andS-1-amino-2-propanol, both with deprotonated hydroxy groups, are described. Magnetic measurements strongly suggest these compounds to have a tetrameric cubane-type structure with a Cu₄O₄ core. The racemic and optically-active compounds show a different magnetic behaviour, most likely originating from different cluster types for the isomers. The results of the i.r., f.i.r. and e.s.r. spectra are in good agreement with the proposed cluster types.