Oxygen insertion by a new tyrosinase model binuclear CuI macrocyclic complex

Benzene-1,3-dicarboxaldehyde and diethylenetriamine have been condensed to produce a new 24-atom tetra Schiff base binucleating macrocyclic ligand in good yield; the latter forms a dinuclear CuI complex which combines with dioxygen and inserts one of the oxygen atoms into the 2-position of the aromatic ring to form a phenolate- and hydroxide-bridged binuclear copper(II) complex.