Reaction of Ti(OEt)(4) with amino acids results in alkoxide carboxylate derivatives, in which the amino carboxylate group chelates the Ti(OEt)(3) moiety via one oxygen atom and the NH2 group. An X-ray structure analysis of the glycine derivative showed the compound to be dimeric, with the two Ti atoms bridged by two OEt group. When lysine is used, only the alpha-amino group coordinates to the metal while the terminal amino group is dangling and can be used to coordinate metal ions.