Transformation of the {Fe(NO)2}9 dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) into S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) triggered by acid-base pairs

S‐Nitrosation of the coordinated thiolate of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) to generate S‐nitrosothiols (RSNOs) was demonstrated. Transformation of [{(NO)₂Fe(μ‐StBu)}₂] ( 1‐tBuS ) into the {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ DNIC [(NO)₂Fe(StBu)(MeIm)] ( 2‐MeIm ) occurs under addition of 20 equiv of 1‐methylimidazole (MeIm) into a solution of 1‐tBuS in THF. The dynamic interconversion between {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ [(NO)₂Fe(S‐NAP)(dmso)] ( 2‐dmso ) (NAP=N‐acetyl‐D ‐penicillamine) and [{(NO)₂Fe(μ‐S‐NAP)}₂] ( 1‐NAP ) was also observed in a solution of complex 1‐NAP in DMSO. In contrast to the reaction of complex 2‐MeIm and bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl) disulfide ((DTC)₂) to yield {Fe(NO)}⁷ [(NO)Fe(DTC)₂] ( 3 ) (DTC=S₂CNMe₂) accompanied by (tBuS)₂ and NO_(g), transformation of {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ 2‐MeIm ( 2‐dmso ) into RSNOs (RS=tBuS, NAP‐S) along with complex 3 induced by the Brønsted acid solution of (DTC)₂ demonstrated that Brønsted acid may play a critical role in triggering S‐nitrosation of the coordinated thiolate of DNICs 2‐MeIm (or 2‐dmso ) to produce RSNOs. That is, DNIC‐mediated S‐nitrosation requires a Brønsted acid–Lewis base pair to produce RSNO. Transformation of DNICs into RSNOs may only occur on the one‐thiolate‐containing {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ DNICs, in contrast to protonation of the two‐thiolate‐containing DNICs [(NO)₂Fe(SR)₂]^? by Brønsted acid to yield [{(NO)₂Fe(μ‐SR)}₂]. These results might rationalize that the known protein‐Cys‐SNO sites derived from DNICs were located adjacent to acid and base motifs, and no protein‐bound SNO characterized to date has been directly derived from [protein–(cysteine)₂Fe(NO)₂] in biology.     

Dinitrosyl iron complexes: From molecular electrocatalysts to electrodeposited‐film electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction

Clean and large‐scale production of hydrogen via water splitting triggered by active, robust, and low‐cost electrocatalysts is a promising and sustainable strategy for energy conversion and storage. In this study, a series of four‐coordinated chelating amine‐bound {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) [(L)Fe(NO)₂] were synthesized to investigate how the electronic structure of [Fe(NO)₂] unit of DNICs was tailored to promote the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) triggered by the homogeneous DNICs' molecular catalysts and the heterogeneous DNIC‐derived electrodeposited‐film electrodes. The electrochemical studies demonstrate that HER onset potentials of those DNICs in neutral sodium sulfate aqueous solution are dependent on their IR ν_(NO) stretching frequencies, indicating that the electron‐rich [Fe(NO)₂] core modulated by the synergistic cooperation of the electron‐donating ability and steric effect of methyl‐/hydrogen‐substituted diamine‐coordinated ligands, presumably, benefits the formation of metal‐hydride intermediate to reduce the required onset potential. In contrast with homogeneous catalyst retaining its molecular integrity during the catalytic HER process, it is noticed that DNICs [(L)Fe(NO)₂] act as the precursor of the active heterogeneous HER catalyst during the electrocatalytic HER process. It is presumed that the intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions among DNICs [(L)Fe(NO)₂] may control the particle sizes of DNIC‐derived electrodeposited film to modulate HER efficiency.     

Neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 dinitrosyliron complex (DNIC) [(SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)(Im)Fe(NO)2] (Im = imidazole): interconversion among the anionic/neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs and Roussin's red ester

A neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 dinitrosyliron complex (DNIC) [(SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)(Im)Fe(NO)2] (Im = imidazole; 2) was prepared by the reaction of [Fe(mu-SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)(NO)2]2 (1) and 2 equiv of imidazole. In the synthesis of the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNIC [(SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)2Fe(NO)2]- (3), thiolate [SC6H4-o-NHCOPh]- triggers ligand substitution of DNIC 2 to yield DNIC 3. At 298 K, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit well-resolved nine- and five-line electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals at g = 2.031 and 2.029, respectively, the characteristic g value of DNICs. The facile interconversions among the neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 complex 2, the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 complex 3, and Roussin's red ester 1 were demonstrated. The EPR spectrum (the pattern of hyperfine splitting) in combination with the IR nu(NO) (the relative position of the nu(NO) stretching frequencies) spectrum may serve as an efficient tool for the discrimination of the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs, the neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs, and Roussin's red ester.     

Dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) containing S/N/O ligation: transformation of Roussin's red ester into the neutral {Fe(NO)2}10 DNICs

Addition of the Lewis base [OPh]- to the THF solution of Roussin's red ester [Fe(mu-SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)(NO)2]2 (1) and [Fe(mu-SC6H4-o-COOH)(NO)2]2 (2), respectively, yielded the EPR-active, anionic {Fe(NO)2}9, [(SC6H4-o-NCOPh)Fe(NO)2]- (3) with the anionic [SC6H4-o-NCOPh]2- ligand bound to the {Fe(NO)2} core in a bidentate manner (S,N-bonded) and [(SC6H4-o-COO)Fe(NO)2]- (4) with the anionic [SC6H4-o-COO]2- ligand bound to the {Fe(NO)2} core in a bidentate manner (S,O-bonded), characterized by IR, UV-vis, EPR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In contrast to the bridged-thiolate cleavage yielding the neutral {Fe(NO)2}9, [(SC6H4-o-NHCOPh)(Im)Fe(NO)2] (Im=imidazole), by addition of 2 equiv of imidazole to complex 1 observed in the previous study, the addition of the stronger sigma-donating and pi-accepting PPh3 ligand triggered the reductive elimination of bridged thiolates of complex 1 to yield the neutral {Fe(NO)2}10, [(PPh3)2Fe(NO)2]. These results unambiguously illustrate one aspect of how the nucleophile L (L=imidazole, PPh3, [OPh]-) functions to control the reaction pathways (bridged-thiolate cleavage, reductive elimination, and deprotonation) upon the reaction of complex 1 and the nucleophile L. The EPR-active, dimeric {Fe(NO)2}9 dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC) [Fe(mu-SC7H4SN)(NO)2]2 (6), with S and N atoms of the anionic [-SC7H4SN-]- (2-benzothiozolyl thiolate) ligands bound to two separate {Fe(NO)2}9 cores, was also synthesized from reaction of bis(2-benzothiozolyl) disulfide and [(NO)2Fe(PPh3)2]. A straightforward reaction of complex 6 and 4 equiv of [N3]- conducted in THF led to the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9, [(N3)2Fe(NO)2]- (7). Conclusively, the EPR-active, {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs can be classified into the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs with S/N/O ligation, the neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 DNIC with one thiolate and one neutral imidazole ligation, and the cationic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs with the neutral N-/P-containing coordinated ligands.     

New members of a class of dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs): interconversion and spectroscopic discrimination of the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 [(NO)2Fe(C3H3N2)2]- and [(NO)2Fe(C3H3N2)(SR)]- (C3H3N2 = deprotonated imidazole; R = tBu, Et, Ph)

The anionic {Fe(NO)2}(9) DNIC[(NO)2Fe(C3H3N2)2](-) (2) (C3H3N2 = deprotonated imidazole) containing the deprotonated imidazole-coordinated ligands and DNICs [(NO)2Fe(C3H3N2)(SR)](-) (R = (t)Bu(3), Et(4), Ph(5)) containing the mixed deprotonated imidazole-thiolate coordinated ligands, respectively, were synthesized by thiol protonation or thiolate(s) ligand-exchange reaction. The anionic {Fe(NO)2}(9) DNICs 2- 5 were characterized by IR, UV-vis, EPR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The facile transformation among the anionic {Fe(NO)2}(9) DNICs 2- 5 and [(NO)2Fe(S(t)Bu)2](-)/[(NO)2Fe(SEt)2](-)/[(NO)2Fe(SPh)2](-) was demonstrated in this systematic study. Of importance, the distinct electron-donating ability of thiolates serve to regulate the stability of the anionic {Fe(NO)2}(9) DNICs and the ligand-substitution reactions of DNICs. At 298 K, DNIC 2 exhibits the nine-line EPR signal with g = 2.027 (aN(NO) = 2.20 and aN(Im-H) = 3.15 G; Im-H = deprotonated imidazole) and DNIC 3 displays the nine-line signals with g = 2.027 (aN(NO) = 2.35 and aN(Im-H) = 4.10 G). Interestingly, the EPR spectrum of complex 4 exhibits a well-resolved 11-line pattern with g = 2.027 (aN(NO) = 2.50, aN(Im-H) = 4.10 G, and aH = 1.55 G) at 298 K. The EPR spectra (the pattern of hyperfine splitting) in combination with IR nu NO spectra (DeltanuNO = the separation of NO stretching frequencies, DeltanuNO = approximately 62 cm (-1) for 2 vs approximately 50 cm(-1) for 3- 5 vs approximately 43 cm(-1) for [(NO)2Fe(S(t)Bu)2](-)/[(NO)2Fe(SEt)2](-)/[(NO)2Fe(SPh)2](-)) may serve as an efficient tool for the discrimination of the existence of the anionic {Fe(NO)2}(9) DNICs containing the different ligations [N,N]/[N,S]/[S,S].     

Formation of the Distinct Redox‐Interrelated Forms of Nitric Oxide from Reaction of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes (DNICs) and Substitution Ligands

Release of the distinct NO redox‐interrelated forms (NO⁺, ^.NO, and HNO/NO^?), derived from reaction of the dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC) [(NO)₂Fe(C₁₂H₈N)₂]^? ( 1 ) (C₁₂H₈N=carbazolate) and the substitution ligands (S₂CNMe₂)₂, [SC₆H₄‐o‐NHC(O)(C₅H₄N)]₂ ((PyPepS)₂), and P(C₆H₃‐3‐SiMe₃‐2‐SH)₃ ([P(SH)₃]), respectively, was demonstrated. In contrast to the reaction of (PyPepS)₂ and DNIC 1 in a 1:1 stoichiometry that induces the release of an NO radical and the formation of complex [PPN][Fe(PyPepS)₂] ( 4 ), the incoming substitution ligand (S₂CNMe₂)₂ triggered the transformation of DNIC 1 into complex [(NO)Fe(S₂CNMe₂)₂] ( 2 ) along with N‐nitrosocarbazole ( 3 ). The subsequent nitrosation of N‐acetylpenicillamine (NAP) by N‐nitrosocarbazole ( 3 ) to produce S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) may signify the possible formation pathway of S‐nitrosothiols from DNICs by means of transnitrosation of N‐nitrosamines. Protonation of DNIC 1 by [P(SH)₃] triggers the release of HNO and the generation of complex [PPN][Fe(NO)P(C₆H₃‐3‐SiMe₃‐2‐S)₃] ( 5 ). In a similar fashion, the nucleophilic attack of the chelating ligand P(C₆H₃‐3‐SiMe₃‐2‐SNa)₃ ([P(SNa)₃]) on DNIC 1 resulted in the direct release of [NO]^? captured by [(¹⁵NO)Fe(SPh)₃]^?, thus leading to [(¹⁵NO)(¹⁴NO)Fe(SPh)₂]^?. These results illustrate one aspect of how the incoming substitution ligands ((S₂CNMe₂)₂ vs. (PyPepS)₂ vs. [P(SH)₃]/[P(SNa)₃]) in cooperation with the carbazolate‐coordinated ligands of DNIC 1 function to control the release of NO⁺, ^.NO, or [NO]^? from DNIC 1 upon reaction of complex 1 and the substitution ligands. Also, these results signify that DNICs may act as an intermediary of NO in the redox signaling processes by providing the distinct redox‐interrelated forms of NO to interact with different NO‐responsive targets in biological systems.     

Synthesis and reactivity of the five-coordinate {Fe(NO)2} [(TMEDA)Fe(NO)2I]

The reaction of [Fe(μ-I)(NO)₂]₂ and TMEDA in a 1:2 molar ratio in THF affords the neutral five-coordinate DNIC [(TMEDA)Fe(NO)₂I] (1). The single-crystal X-ray structure shows that the geometry of iron center of complex 1 is best described as a distorted trigonal bipyramidal with two nitrosyl groups positioned in the equatorial plane. The EPR spectrum of complex 1 displays the six-line signal with g = 2.031 (a_I = 37.6 G) at 298 K. The coincident g values of EPR among complex 1, protein-bound DNICs and low-molecular-weight DNICs implicate that the five-coordinate DNICs may exist in biological system. The interconversion between complex 1 and [(TMEDA)Fe(NO)₂] (2) reveals that the {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ DNICs containing [amine, amine] ligation mode could be stabilized by the five-coordinated geometry while the {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ DNICs containing [amine, amine] ligation mode favors the four coordination sphere. In addition, the transformation from complex 1 to [Fe(NO)₂(C₃H₃N₂)]₄ (3), [Fe(μ-SPh)(NO)₂]₂ (4), [PPh₄][(PhS)₂Fe(NO)₂] (5) and [Na-18-crown-6-ether][(C₃H₃N₂)₂Fe(NO)₂] (6), respectively, in the presence of thiolates or imidazolates indicates that complex 1 could be employed as the precursor for the syntheses of the DNICs containing the [N,N]/[N,S]/[S,S] different ligations.     

Dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) [L(2)Fe(NO)2]- (L = thiolate): interconversion among {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs, {Fe(NO)2}10 DNICs, and [2Fe-2S] clusters, and the critical role of the thiolate ligands in regulating NO release of DNICs

Dinitrosyl iron complex [(-SC(7)H(4)SN)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (1) was prepared by reaction of [S(5)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and bis(2-benzothiozolyl) disulfide. In synthesis of the analogous dinitrosyl iron compounds (DNICs), the stronger electron-donating thiolates [RS](-) (R = C(6)H(4)-o-NHCOCH(3), C(4)H(3)S, C(6)H(4)NH(2), Ph), compared to [-SC(7)H(4)SN](-) of complex 1, trigger thiolate-ligand substitution to yield [(-SC(6)H(4)-o-NHCOCH(3))(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (2), [(-SC(4)H(3)S)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (3), and [(SPh)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) (4), respectively. At 298 K, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a well-resolved five-line EPR signal at g = 2.038 and 2.027, respectively, the characteristic g value of DNICs. The magnetic susceptibility fit indicates that the resonance hybrid of {Fe(+)((*)NO)(2)}(9) and {Fe(-)((+)NO)(2)}(9) in 2 is dynamic by temperature. The IR nu(NO) stretching frequencies (ranging from (1766, 1716) to (1737, 1693) cm(-)(1) (THF)) of complexes 1-4 signal the entire window of possible electronic configurations for such stable and isolable {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-). The NO-releasing ability of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) is finely tuned by the coordinated thiolate ligands. The less electron-donating thiolate ligands coordinated to {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) motif act as better NO-donor DNICs in the presence of NO-trapping agent [Fe(S,S-C(6)H(4))(2)](2)(2-). Interconversion between {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) [(Ph(3)P)(2)Fe(NO)(2)] was verified in the reaction of (a) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-), 10 equiv of PPh(3) and sodium-biphenyl, and (b) 2 equiv of thiol, [RS](-), and [(Ph(3)P)(2)Fe(NO)(2)], respectively. The biomimetic reaction cycle, transformation between {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(RS)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) [(R'S)(2)Fe(NO)(2)](-), reversible interconversion of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNICs, and degradation/reassembly of [2Fe-2S] clusters may decipher and predict the biological cycle of interconversion of {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs, {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNICs, and the [Fe-S] clusters in proteins.     

Transformation and structural discrimination between the neutral {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs) and the anionic/cationic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs

Reaction of Fe(CO)2(NO)2 and sparteine/tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) in tetrahydrofuran afforded the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-silent, neutral {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs) [(sparteine)Fe(NO)2] (1) and [(TMEDA)Fe(NO)2] (2), respectively. The stable and isolable anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNIC [(S(CH2)3S)Fe(NO)2]- (4), with a bidentate alkylthiolate coordinated to a {Fe(NO)(2)} motif, was prepared by the reaction of [S(CH2)3S]2- and the cationic {Fe(NO)2}9 [(sparteine)Fe(NO)2]+ (3) obtained from the reaction of complex 1 and [NO][BF4] in CH(3)CN. Transformation from the neutral complex 1 to the anionic complex 4 was verified via the cationic complex 3. Here complex 3 acts as an {Fe(NO)2}-donor reagent in the presence of thiolates. The EPR spectra of complexes 3 and 4 exhibit an isotropic signal with g = 2.032 and 2.031 at 298 K, respectively, the characteristic g value of {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs. On the basis of N-O/Fe-N(O) bond lengths of the single-crystal X-ray structures of the {Fe(NO)2}9/{Fe(NO)2}10 DNICs, the oxidation level of the {Fe(NO)2} core of DNICs can be unambiguously assigned. The mean N-O distances falling in the range of 1.214(6)-1.189(4) A and the Fe-N(O) bond distances in the range of 1.650(7)-1.638(3) A are assigned as the neutral {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) DNICs. In contrast, the mean N-O bond distances ranging from 1.178(3) to 1.160(6) A and the mean Fe-N(O) bond distances ranging from 1.695(3) to 1.661(4) A are assigned as the anionic/neutral/cationic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs. In addition, an EPR spectrum in combination with the IR nu(NO) (the relative position of the nu(NO) stretching frequencies and their difference Deltanu(NO)) spectrum may serve as an efficient tool for discrimination of the existence of the anionic/cationic/neutral {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs and the neutral {Fe(NO)2}10 DNICs.     

The Fe2(NO)2 Diamond Core: A Unique Structural Motif In Non‐Heme Iron–NO Chemistry

Non‐heme high‐spin (hs) {FeNO}⁸ complexes have been proposed as important intermediates towards N₂O formation in flavodiiron NO reductases (FNORs). Many hs‐{FeNO}⁸ complexes disproportionate by forming dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs), but the mechanism of this reaction is not understood. While investigating this process, we isolated a new type of non‐heme iron nitrosyl complex that is stabilized by an unexpected spin‐state change. Upon reduction of the hs‐{FeNO}⁷ complex, [Fe(TPA)(NO)(OTf)](OTf) ( 1 ), the N‐O stretching band vanishes, but no sign of DNIC or N₂O formation is observed. Instead, the dimer, [Fe₂(TPA)₂(NO)₂](OTf)₂ ( 2 ) could be isolated and structurally characterized. We propose that 2 is formed from dimerization of the hs‐{FeNO}⁸ intermediate, followed by a spin state change of the iron centers to low‐spin (ls), and speculate that 2 models intermediates in hs‐{FeNO}⁸ complexes that precede the disproportionation reaction.     

Insight into the dinuclear {Fe(NO)2}10{Fe(NO)2}10 and mononuclear {Fe(NO)2}10 dinitrosyliron complexes

The reversible redox transformations [(NO)(2)Fe(S(t)Bu)(2)](-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(2-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(-) ? [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2) and [cation][(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] ? [cation](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] (cation = K(+)-18-crown-6 ether) are demonstrated. The countercation of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) dinitrosyliron complexes (DNICs) functions to control the formation of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced Roussin's red ester (RRE) [PPN](2)[Fe(μ-SR)(NO)(2)](2) or the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNIC [K(+)-18-crown-6 ether](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)] upon reduction of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs [cation][(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)] (cation = PPN(+), K(+)-18-crown-6 ether; R = alkyl). The binding preference of ligands [OPh](-)/[SR](-) toward the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) motif of dianionic reduced RRE follows the ligand-displacement series [SR](-) > [OPh](-). Compared to the Fe K-edge preedge energy falling within the range of 7113.6-7113.8 eV for the dinuclear {Fe(NO)(2)}(9){Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs and 7113.4-7113.8 eV for the mononuclear {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) DNICs, the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNICs and the {Fe(NO)(2)}(10){Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced RREs containing S/O/N-ligation modes display the characteristic preedge energy 7113.1-7113.3 eV, which may be adopted to probe the formation of the EPR-silent {Fe(NO)(2)}(10)-{Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced RREs and {Fe(NO)(2)}(10) dianionic reduced monomeric DNICs in biology. In addition to the characteristic Fe/S K-edge preedge energy, the IR ν(NO) spectra may also be adopted to characterize and discriminate [(NO)(2)Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)](2) [IR ν(NO) 1809 vw, 1778 s, 1753 s cm(-1) (KBr)], [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(-) [IR ν(NO) 1674 s, 1651 s cm(-1) (KBr)], [Fe(μ-S(t)Bu)(NO)(2)](2)(2-) [IR ν(NO) 1637 m, 1613 s, 1578 s, 1567 s cm(-1) (KBr)], and [K-18-crown-6 ether](2)[(NO)(2)Fe(SEt)(2)] [IR ν(NO) 1604 s, 1560 s cm(-1) (KBr)].     

Reaction of Pentelidene Complexes with Diazoalkanes: Stabilization of Parent 2,3‐Dipnictabutadienes

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 1 a ) with diphenyldiazomethane leads to [{W(CO)₅}Cp*P=NN{W(CO)₅}=CPh₂] ( 2 ). Compound 2 is a rare example of a phosphadiazadiene ligand (R‐P=N?N=CR′R′′) complex. At temperatures above 0 °C, 2 decomposes into the complex [{W(CO)₅}PCp*{N(H)N=CPh₂)₂] ( 3 ), among other species. The reaction of the pentelidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (E=P, As) with diazomethane (CH₂NN) proceeds differently. For the arsinidene complex ( 1 b ), only the arsaalkene complex 4 b [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(Cp*)As=CH₂}] is formed. The reaction with the phosphinidene complex ( 1 a ) results in three products, the two phosphaalkene complexes [{W(CO)₅}₂{η^1:2‐(R)P=CH₂}] ( 4 a : R=Cp*, 5 : R=H) and the triazaphosphole derivative [{W(CO)₅}P(Cp*)‐CH₂‐N{W(CO)₅}=N‐N(N=CH₂)] ( 6 a ). The phosphaalkene complex ( 4 a ) and the arsaalkene complex ( 4 b ) are not stable at room temperature and decompose to the complexes [{W(CO)₅}₄(CH₂=E?E=CH₂)] ( 7 a : E=P, 7 b : E=As), which are the first examples of complexes with parent 2,3‐diphospha‐1,3‐butadiene and 2,3‐diarsa‐1,3‐butadiene ligands.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Mononuclear Iron Models of [Fe]‐Hydrogenase that Contain an Acylmethylpyridinol Ligand

[Fe]‐hydrogenase has a single iron‐containing active site that features an acylmethylpyridinol ligand. This unique ligand environment had yet to be reproduced in synthetic models; however the synthesis and reactivity of a new class of small molecule mimics of [Fe]‐hydrogenase in which a mono‐iron center is ligated by an acylmethylpyridinol ligand has now been achieved. Key to the preparation of these model compounds is the successful C?O cleavage of an alkyl ether moiety to form the desired pyridinol ligand. Reaction of solvated complex [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂]⁺(BF₄)^? with thiols or thiophenols in the presence of NEt₃ yielded 5‐coordinate iron thiolate complexes. Further derivation produced complexes [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(SCH₂CH₂OH)] and [(2‐CH₂CO‐6‐HOC₅H₃N)Fe(CO)₂(CH₃COO)], which can be regarded as models of FeGP cofactors of [Fe]‐hydrogenase extracted by 2‐mercaptoethanol and acetic acid, respectively. When the derivative complexes were treated with HBF₄?Et₂O, the solvated complex was regenerated by protonation of the thiolate ligands. The reactivity of several models with CO, isocyanide, cyanide, and H₂ was also investigated.     

Mononitrosyl tris(thiolate) iron complex [Fe(NO)(SPh)3]- and dinitrosyl iron complex [(EtS)2Fe(NO)2]-: formation pathway of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) from nitrosylation of biomimetic rubredoxin [Fe(SR)4]2-/1- (R = Ph, Et)

Nitrosylation of the biomimetic reduced- and oxidized-form rubredoxin [Fe(SR)4]2-/1- (R = Ph, Et) in a 1:1 stoichiometry led to the formation of the extremely air- and light-sensitive mononitrosyl tris(thiolate) iron complexes (MNICs) [Fe(NO)(SR)3]- along with byproducts [SR]- or (RS)2. Transformation of [Fe(NO)(SR)3]- into dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) [(RS)2Fe(NO)2]- and Roussin's red ester [Fe2(mu-SR)2(NO)4] occurs rapidly under addition of 1 equiv of NO(g) and [NO]+, respectively. Obviously, the mononitrosyl tris(thiolate) complex [Fe(NO)(SR)3]- acts as an intermediate when the biomimetic oxidized- and reduced-form rubredoxin [Fe(SR)4]2-/1- exposed to NO(g) were modified to form dinitrosyl iron complexes [(RS)2Fe(NO)2]-. Presumably, NO binding to the electron-deficient [Fe(III)(SR)4]- and [Fe(III)(NO)(SR)3]- complexes triggers reductive elimination of dialkyl/diphenyl disulfide, while binding of NO radical to the reduced-form [Fe(II)(SR)4]2- induces the thiolate-ligand elimination. Protonation of [Fe(NO)(SEt)3]- yielding [Fe(NO)(SPh)3]- by adding 3 equiv of thiophenol and transformation of [Fe(NO)(SPh)3]- to [Fe(NO)(SEt)3]- in the presence of 3 equiv of [SEt]-, respectively, demonstrated that complexes [Fe(NO)(SPh)3]- and [Fe(NO)(SEt)3]- are chemically interconvertible. Mononitrosyl tris(thiolate) iron complex [Fe(NO)(SPh)3]- and dinitrosyl iron complex [(EtS)2Fe(NO)2]- were isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The mean NO bond distances of 1.181(7) A (or 1.191(7) A) in complex [(EtS)2Fe(NO)2]- are nearly at the upper end of the 1.178(3)-1.160(6) A for the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs, while the mean FeN(O) distances of 1.674(6) A (or 1.679(6) A) exactly fall in the range of 1.695(3)-1.661(4) A for the anionic {Fe(NO)2}9 DNICs.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

Discrimination of mononuclear and dinuclear dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) by S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy: insight into the electronic structure and reactivity of DNICs

In addition to probing the formation of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) by the characteristic Fe K-edge pre-edge absorption energy ranging from 7113.4 to 7113.8 eV, the distinct S K-edge pre-edge absorption energy and pattern can serve as an efficient tool to unambiguously characterize and discriminate mononuclear DNICs and dinuclear DNICs containing bridged-thiolate and bridged-sulfide ligands. The higher Fe-S bond covalency modulated by the stronger electron-donating thiolates promotes the Fe → NO π-electron back-donation to strengthen the Fe-NO bond and weaken the NO-release ability of the mononuclear DNICs, which is supported by the Raman ν(Fe-NO) stretching frequency. The Fe-S bond covalency of DNICs further rationalizes the binding preference of the {Fe(NO)(2)} motif toward thiolates following the trend of [SEt](-) > [SPh](-) > [SC(7)H(4)SN](-). The relative d-manifold energy derived from S K-edge XAS as well as the Fe K-edge pre-edge energy reveals that the electronic structure of the {Fe(NO)(2)}(9) core of the mononuclear DNICs [(NO)(2)Fe(SR)(2)](-) is best described as {Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9) compared to [{Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9)-{Fe(III)(NO(-))(2)}(9)] for the dinuclear DNICs [Fe(2)(μ-SEt)(μ-S)(NO)(4)](-) and [Fe(2)(μ-S)(2)(NO)(4)](2-).     

Anionic Roussin's red esters (RREs) syn-/anti-[Fe(mu-SEt)(NO)2]2(-): the critical role of thiolate ligands in regulating the transformation of RREs into dinitrosyl iron complexes and the anionic RREs

The anionic syn-/ anti-[Fe(mu-SEt)(NO) 2] 2 (-) ( 2a) were synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-vis, EPR, and X-ray diffraction. The geometry of the [Fe(mu-S) 2Fe] core is rearranged in going from [{Fe(NO) 2} (9)-{Fe(NO) 2} (9)] Roussin's red ester [Fe(mu-SEt)(NO) 2] 2 ( 1a) (Fe...Fe distance of 2.7080(5) A) to the [{Fe(NO) 2} (9)-{Fe(NO) 2} (10)] complex 2a (Fe...Fe distance of 2.8413(6) A) to minimize the degree of Fe...Fe interaction to stabilize complex 2a. On the basis of X-ray absorption (Fe K- and L-edge), EPR and SQUID, complex 2a is best described as the anionic [{Fe(NO) 2} (9)-{Fe(NO) 2} (10)] Roussin's red ester with the fully delocalized mixed-valence core. The complete bridged-thiolate cleavage yielded DNIC [(EtS) 2Fe(NO) 2] (-) ( 3a) in the reaction of 2 equiv of [EtS] (-) and complex 1a, whereas reaction of 2 equiv of [(t)BuS] (-) with [Fe(micro-S (t)Bu)(NO) 2] 2 (1b) gave DNIC [((t)BuS) 2Fe(NO) 2] (-) (3b) and the anionic Roussin's red ester [Fe(mu-S (t)Bu)(NO) 2] 2 (-) (2b) through bridged-thiolate cleavage in combination with reduction. In contrast to the inertness of DNIC 3b toward complex 1b, nucleophile DNIC 3a induces the reduction of complex 1a to produce the anionic Roussin's red ester 2a. Interestingly, dissolution of complex 3a in MeOH at 298 K finally led to the formation of a mixture of complexes 2a and 3a, in contrast to the dynamic equilibrium of complexes 3b and 1b observed in dissolution of complex 3b in MeOH. These results illustrate the aspect of how the steric structures of nucleophiles ([EtS] (-) vs [ (t)BuS] (-) and [(EtS) 2Fe(NO)2](-) vs [((t)BuS) 2Fe(NO)2] (-)) function to determine the reaction products.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Thioacylamidophosphates and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl and 1,10‐Phenathroline. Crystal Structures,Solution 1H NMR Spectral and Magnetic Properties

Structure and magnetic properties of N‐diisopropoxyphosphorylthiobenzamide PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^I ) and N‐diisopropoxyphosphoryl‐N′‐phenylthiocarbamide PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^II ) complexes with the Co^II cation of formulas [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 2 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1a ) and [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂}(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 3 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 4 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 5 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 6 ) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the ¹H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin Co^II complexes with HL^I,II , incorporating the S‐C‐N‐P‐O chelate moiety and two aromatic chelate ligands. Investigation of the thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 1‐2 and 6 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral ( 1 , 2 ) or octahedral ( 1a , 6 ) metal atoms whereas 3 and 5 show antiferromagnetic properties. Compound 4 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, T_c = 115 K. Complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 1 resides a distorted tetrahedral O₂S₂ environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands. Complex 1a has a tetragonal‐bipyramidal structure, Co(O^ax)₂(O^eq)₂(S^eq)₂, and two neutral ligand molecules are coordinated in the axial positions through the oxygen atoms of the P=O groups. The base of the bipyramid is formed by two anionic ligands in the typical 1,5‐O,S coordination mode. The ligands are in a trans configuration.     

Interconversion of Metallabenzenes and Cyclic η2‐Allene‐Coordinated Complexes

Treatment of the osmabenzene [Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHC(PPh₃)CH} Cl₂(PPh₃)₂]Cl ( 1 ) with excess 8‐hydroxyquinoline produces monosubstituted osmabenzene [Os{CH C(PPh₃) CHC(PPh₃)CH}(C₉H₆NO)Cl(PPh₃)]Cl ( 2 ) or disubstituted osmabenzene [Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHC(PPh₃)CH} (C₉H₆NO)₂]Cl ( 3 ) under different reaction conditions. Osmabenzene 2 evolves into cyclic η²‐allene‐coordinated complex [Os{CH?C(PPh₃)CH=(η²‐C?CH₂)}(C₉H₆NO)(PPh₃)₂]Cl ( 4 ) in the presence of excess PPh₃ and NaOH, presumably involving a P? C bond cleavage of the metallacycle. Reaction of 4 with excess 8‐hydroxyquinoline under air affords the S_NAr product [(C₉H₆NO)Os{CHC(PPh₃)CHCHC} (C₉H₆NO)(PPh₃)]Cl ( 5 ). Complex 4 is fairly reactive to a nucleophile in the presence of acid, which could react with water to give carbonyl complex [Os{CH?C(PPh₃)CH?CH₂}(C₉H₆NO) (CO)(PPh₃)₂]Cl ( 6 ). Complex 4 also reacts with PPh₃ in the presence of acid and results in a transformation to [Os {CHC(PPh₃)CHCHC}(C₉H₆NO)Cl (PPh₃)₂]Cl ( 7 ) and [Os{CH?C(PPh₃) CH=(η²‐C?CH(PPh₃))}(C₉H₆NO) Cl(PPh₃)]Cl ( 8 ). Further investigation shows that the ratio of 7 and 8 is highly dependent on the amount of the acid in the reaction.     

A Reduced 2Fe2S Cluster Probe of Sulfur–Hydrogen versus Sulfur–Gold Interactions

The Ph₃PAu⁺ cation, renowned as an isolobal analogue of H⁺, was found to serve as a proton surrogate and form a stable Au₂Fe₂ complex, [(μ‐SAuPPh₃)₂{Fe(CO)₃}₂], analogous to the highly reactive dihydrosulfide [(μ‐SH)₂{Fe(CO)₃}₂]. Solid‐state X‐ray diffraction analysis found the two SAuPPh₃ and SH bridges in anti configurations. VT NMR studies, supported by DFT computations, confirmed substantial barriers of approximately 25 kcal mol⁻¹ to intramolecular interconversion between the three stereoisomers of [(μ‐SH)₂{Fe(CO)₃}₂]. In contrast, the largely dative S Au bond in μ‐SAuPPh₃ facilitates inversion at S and accounts for the facile equilibration of the SAuPPh₃ units, with an energy barrier half that of the SH analogue. The reactivity of the gold‐protected sulfur atoms of [(μ‐SAuPPh₃)₂{Fe(CO)₃}₂] was accessed by release of the gold ligand with a strong acid to generate the [(μ‐SH)₂{Fe(CO)₃}₂] precursor of the [FeFe]H₂ase‐active‐site biomimetic [(μ₂‐SCH₂(NR)CH₂S){Fe(CO)₃}₂].