We describe the reactivity of new copper AlkylPY2 type complexes which react with dioxygen and thus hydroxylate an aliphatic C–H bond of the ligand in the same manner as copper‐containing monooxygenases.

We describe the studies of new copper complexes [MeSPY2]CuPF(6), 2, and [MeSPY2]Cu(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN, 3, as models for the Cu(B) center of dopamine beta-hydroxylase and peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase. The structure of [MeSPY2]Cu(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN, 3, has been established by X-ray crystallography. The copper coordination exhibits a square pyramidal geometry where the equatorial plane is occupied by the SCH(3) group and three nitrogen atoms (tertiary amine, one pyridine, and acetonitrile solvent), whereas the axial position binds the second pyridine. Using FEFF calculations and multiscattering interaction, EXAFS refinements show that the SMe group lies in the coordination sphere of copper complexes [MeSPY2]CuPF(6), 2, and [MeSPY2]Cu(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN, 3. While [MeSPY2]CuPF(6), 2, reacts with dioxygen in dichloromethane without oxidation of the ligand, we observed an oxidation of the sulfide ligand when [MeSPY2]Cu(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN, 3, reacts with hydrogen peroxide in methanol. Considering results, we propose that Met(314), crucial for DBH and PHM activity, could be the site of the H(2)O(2) (or ascorbate) inactivation by oxidation to the sulfoxide group.

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