A novel complex, bis(trans-bis(N,N-dimethyl-(1-(R)-phenyl-2-(S)-methyl-2-aminoethoxy-N,O) )-copper(II)) heptahydrate (abbreviated as Cu-2(C11H16NO)(4)center dot 7H(2)O(cr)),was synthesized by the method of liquid phase reflux. The composition and structure of the complex were characterized by chemical analysis, elemental analysis. FUR, and X-ray crystallography. A reasonable thermochemical cycle was designed based on the preparation reaction of the coordination compound, and standard molar enthalpies of dissolution of reactants and products were measured by an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter. Finally, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex Cu-2(C11H16NO)(4)center dot 7H(2)O(cr) was determined to be -(4525.22 +/- 13.71) kJ . mol(-1) in accordance with Hess's law. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.