Mechanistic analysis of reductive nitrosylation on water-soluble cobalt(III)-porphyrins

The reactions of NO and/or NO2- with three water-soluble cobalt porphyrins [Co(III)(P)(H2O)2]n, where P = TPPS, TCPP, and TMPyP, were studied in detail. At pH < 3, the reaction with NO proceeds through a single reaction step. From the kinetic data and activation parameters, the [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n complex is proposed to be the primary product of the reaction with NO. This complex reacts further with a second NO molecule through an inner-sphere electron-transfer reaction to generate the final product, [Co(III)(P)(NO-)](n-1). At pH > 3, although a single reaction step is also observed, a systematic study as a function of the NO and NO2- concentrations revealed that two reaction steps are operative. In the first, NO2- and NO compete to substitute coordinated water in [Co(III)(P)(H2O)2]n to yield [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n and [Co(III)(P)(NO2-)(H2O)](n-1) as the primary reaction products. Only the nitrite complex could be detected and no final product formation was observed during the reaction. It is proposed that [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n rapidly reacts with NO2- to form the nitrite complex, which in the second reaction step reacts with another NO molecule to generate the final product through an inner-sphere electron-transfer reaction. The reported results are relevant for the interaction of vitamin B(12a) with NO and NO2-.     

Mechanisms of ferriheme reduction by nitric oxide: nitrite and general base catalysis

The reductive nitrosylation (Fe(III)(P) + 2NO + H(2)O = Fe(II)(P)(NO) + NO(2)(-) + 2H(+)) of the ferriheme model Fe(III)(TPPS) (TPPS = tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato) has been investigated in moderately acidic solution. In the absence of added or adventitious nitrite, this reaction displays general base catalysis with several buffers in aqueous solutions. It was also found that the nitrite ion, NO(2)(-), is a catalyst for this reaction. Similar nitrite catalysis was demonstrated for another ferriheme model system Fe(III)(TMPy) (TMPy = meso-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrinato), and for ferriheme proteins met-hemoglobin (metHb) and met-myoglobin (metMb) in aqueous buffer solutions. Thus, it appears that such catalysis is a general mechanistic route to the reductive nitrosylation products. Two nitrite catalysis mechanisms are proposed. In the first, NO(2)(-) is visualized as operating via nucleophilic addition to the Fe(III)-coordinated NO in a manner similar to the reactions proposed for Fe(III) reduction promoted by other nucleophiles. This would give a labile N(2)O(3) ligand that hydrolyzes to nitrous acid, regenerating the original nitrite. The other proposal is that Fe(III) reduction is effected by direct outer-sphere electron transfer from NO(2)(-) to Fe(III)(P)(NO) to give nitrogen dioxide plus the ferrous nitrosyl complex Fe(II)(P)(NO). The NO(2) thus generated would be trapped by excess NO to give N(2)O(3) and, subsequently, nitrite. It is found that the nitrite catalysis rates are markedly sensitive to the respective Fe(III)(P)(NO) reduction potentials, which is consistent with the behavior expected for an outer-sphere electron-transfer mechanism. Nitrite is the product of NO autoxidation in aqueous solution and is a ubiquitous impurity in experiments where aqueous NO is added to an aerobic system to study biological effects. The present results demonstrate that such an impurity should not be assumed to be innocuous, especially in the context of recent reports that endogenous nitrite may play physiological roles relevant to the interactions of NO and ferriheme proteins.     

A new paramagnetic intermediate formed during the reaction of nitrite with deoxyhemoglobin

The reduction of nitrite by deoxygenated hemoglobin chains has been implicated in red cell-induced vasodilation, although the mechanism for this process has not been established. We have previously demonstrated that the reaction of nitrite with deoxyhemoglobin produces a hybrid intermediate with properties of Hb(II)NO(+) and Hb(III)NO that builds up during the reaction retaining potential NO bioactivity. To explain the unexpected stability of this intermediate, which prevents NO release from the Hb(III)NO component, we had implicated the transfer of an electron from the β-93 thiol to NO(+) producing ·SHb(II)NO. To determine if this species is formed and to characterize its properties, we have investigated the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) changes taking place during the nitrite reaction. The EPR effects of blocking the thiol group with N-ethyl-maleimide and using carboxypeptidase-A to stabilize the R-quaternary conformation have demonstrated that ·SHb(II)NO is formed and that it has the EPR spectrum expected for NO bound to the heme in the β-chain plus that of a thiyl radical. This new NO-related paramagnetic species is in equilibrium with the hybrid intermediate "Hb(II)NO(+) ? Hb(III)NO", thereby further inhibiting the release of NO from Hb(III)NO. The formation of an NO-related paramagnetic species other than the tightly bound NO in Hb(II)NO was also confirmed by a decrease in the EPR signal by -20 °C incubation, which shifts the equilibrium back to the "Hb(II)NO(+) ? Hb(III)NO" intermediate. This previously unrecognized NO hemoglobin species explains the stability of the intermediates and the buildup of a pool of potentially bioactive NO during nitrite reduction. It also provides a pathway for the formation of β-93 cysteine S-nitrosylated hemoglobin [SNOHb:S-nitrosohemoglobin], which has been shown to induce vasodilation, by a rapid radical-radical reaction of any free NO with the thiyl radical of this new paramagnetic intermediate.     

Nitrosation, thiols, and hemoglobin: energetics and kinetics

Nitrosothiols are powerful vasodilators. Although the mechanism of their formation near neutral pH is an area of intense research, neither the energetics nor the kinetics of this reaction or of subsequent reactions have been addressed. The following considerations may help to guide experiments. (1) The standard Gibbs energy for the homolysis reaction RSNO → RS(?) + NO(?)(aq) is +110 ± 5 kJ mol(-1). (2) The electrode potential of the RSNO, H(+)/RSH, NO(?)(aq) couple is -0.20 ± 0.06 V at pH 7. (3) Thiol nitrosation by NO(2)(-) is favorable by 37 ± 5 kJ mol(-1) at pH 7. (4) N(2)O(3) is not involved in in vivo nitrosation mechanisms for thermodynamic--its formation from NO(2)(-) costs 59 kJ mol(-1)--or kinetic--the reaction being second-order in NO(2)(-)--reasons. (5) Hemoglobin (Hb) cannot catalyze formation of N(2)O(3), be it via the intermediacy of the reaction of Hb[FeNO(2)](2+) with NO(?) (+81 kJ mol(-1)) or reaction of Hb[FeNO](3+) with NO(2)(-) (+88 kJ mol(-1)). (6) Energetically and kinetically viable are nitrosations that involve HNO(2) or NO(?) in the presence of an electron acceptor with an electrode potential higher than -0.20 V. These considerations are derived from existing thermochemical and kinetics data.     

Nitric Oxide Dioxygenation Reaction by Oxy-Coboglobin Models: In-situ Low-Temperature FTIR Characterization of Coordinated Peroxynitrite

The oxy-cobolglobin models of the general formula (NH(3))Co(Por)(O(2)) (Por = meso-tetra-phenyl and meso-tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianions) were constructed by sequential low temperature interaction of NH(3) and dioxygen with microporous layers of Co-porphyrins. At cryogenic temperatures small increments of NO were introduced into the cryostat and the following reactions were monitored by the FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy during slow warming. Upon warming the layers from 80 to 120 K a set of new IR bands grows with correlating intensities along with the consumption of the ν(O(2)) band. Isotope labeling experiments with (18)O(2), (15)NO and N(18)O along with DFT calculations provides a basis for assigning them to the six-coordinate peroxynitrite complexes (NH(3))Co(Por)(OONO). Over the course of warming the layers from 140 to 170 K these complexes decompose and there are spectral features suggesting the formation of nitrogen dioxide NO(2). Upon keeping the layers at 180-210 K the bands of NO(2) gradually decrease in intensity and the set of new bands grows in the range of 1480, 1270, and 980 cm(-1). These bands have their isotopic counterparts when (15)NO, (18)O(2) and N(18)O are used in the experiments and certainly belong to the 6-coordinate nitrato complexes (NH(3))Co(Por)(η(1)-ONO(2)) demonstrating the ability of oxy coboglobin models to promote the nitric oxide dioxygenation (NOD) reaction similar to oxy-hemes. As in the case of Hb, Mb and model iron-porphyrins, the six-coordinate nitrato complexes are not stable at room temperature and dissociate to give nitrate anion and oxidized cationic complex Co(III)(Por)(NH(3))(1,2).     

Layer-by-layer films of hemoglobin or myoglobin assembled with zeolite particles: electrochemistry and electrocatalysis

Positively charged hemoglobin (Hb) or myoglobin (Mb) at pH 5.0 in solutions and negatively charged zeolite particles in dispersions were alternately adsorbed onto solid surfaces forming [zeolite/protein](n) layer-by-layer films, which was confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The protein films assembled on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes exhibited a pair of well-defined, nearly reversible CV peaks at about -0.35 V vs. SCE at pH 7.0, characteristic of the heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and nitrite (NO(2)(-)) in solution were catalytically reduced at [zeolite/protein](7) film modified electrodes, and could be quantitatively determined by CV and amperometry. The shape and position of infrared amide I and II bands of Hb or Mb in [zeolite/protein](7) films suggest that the proteins retain their near-native structure in the films. The penetration experiments of Fe(CN)(6)(3-) as the electroactive probe into these films and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate that the films possess a great amount of pores or channels. The porous structure of ]zeolite/protein](n) films is beneficial to counterion transport, which is crucial for protein electrochemistry in films controlled by the charge-hopping mechanism, and is also helpful for the diffusion of catalysis substrates into the films. The proteins with negatively charged net surface charges at pH 9.0 were also successfully assembled with like-charged zeolite particles into layer-by-layer films, although the adsorption amount was less than that assembled at pH 5.0. The possible reasons for this were discussed, and the driving forces were explored.     

Catalytic two-electron reductions of N2O and N3- by myoglobin in surfactant films

Myoglobin (Mb), in films of dimethyldidodecylammonium bromide (ddab) on graphite electrodes, is used as a catalyst to mediate the electrochemical reduction of nitrous oxide (N2O) as well as the isoelectronic ion azide (N3-) in aqueous solutions. The electrocatalytic reductions are characterized by a rate-dependent irreversibility in cyclic voltammograms of Mb/ddab in the presence of the substrates. Bulk electrolysis shows that the reduction of 15N15NO by Mb/ddab yields 15N15N as shown by GC/MS. The catalytic reduction of azide results in almost quantitative formation of ammonia. These electrocatalytic processes are rationalized as two-electron reductions, with the catalyst cycling between the Fe(I) and Fe(III) states of Mb. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of N2O reduction by an Fe porphyrin or heme protein.     

The electrophilic reactions of pentacyanonitrosylferrate(II) with hydrazine and substituted derivatives. Catalytic reduction of nitrite and theoretical prediction of eta(1)-, eta(2)-N(2)O bound intermediates

The electrophilic reactivity of the pentacyanonitrosylferrate(II) ion, [Fe(CN)(5)NO](2)(-), toward hydrazine (Hz) and substituted hydrazines (MeHz, 1,1-Me(2)Hz, and 1,2-Me(2)Hz) has been studied by means of stoichiometric and kinetic experiments (pH 6-10). The reaction of Hz led to N(2)O and NH(3), with similar paths for MeHz and 1,1-Me(2)Hz, which form the corresponding amines. A parallel path has been found for MeHz, leading to N(2)O, N(2), and MeOH. The reaction of 1,2-Me(2)Hz follows a different route, characterized by azomethane formation (MeNNMe), full reduction of nitrosyl to NH(3), and intermediate detection of [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-). In the above reactions, [Fe(CN)(5)H(2)O](3)(-) was always a product, allowing the system to proceed catalytically for nitrite reduction, an issue relevant in relation to the behavior of the nitrite and nitric oxide reductase enzymes. The mechanism comprises initial reversible adduct formation through the binding of the nucleophile to the N-atom of nitrosyl. The adducts decompose through OH(-) attack giving the final products, without intermediate detection. Rate constants for the adduct-formation steps (k = 0.43 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), 25 degrees C for Hz) decrease with methylation by about an order of magnitude. Among the different systems studied, one-, two-, and multielectron reductions of bound NO(+) are analyzed comparatively, with consideration of the role of NO, HNO (nitroxyl), and hydroxylamine as bound intermediates. A DFT study (B3LYP) of the reaction profile allows one to characterize intermediates in the potential hypersurface. These are the initial adducts, as well as their decomposition products, the eta(1)- and eta(2)-linkage isomers of N(2)O.     

Comparison between the geometric and electronic structures and reactivities of [FeNO]7 and [FeO2]8 complexes: a density functional theory study

In a previous study, we analyzed the electronic structure of S = 3/2 [FeNO](7) model complexes [Brown et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 715-732]. The combined spectroscopic data and SCF-X alpha-SW electronic structure calculations are best described in terms of Fe(III) (S = 5/2) antiferromagnetically coupled to NO(-) (S = 1). Many nitrosyl derivatives of non-heme iron enzymes have spectroscopic properties similar to those of these model complexes. These NO derivatives can serve as stable analogues of highly labile oxygen intermediates. It is thus essential to establish a reliable density functional theory (DFT) methodology for the geometry and energetics of [FeNO](7) complexes, based on detailed experimental data. This methodology can then be extended to the study of [FeO(2)](8) complexes, followed by investigations into the reaction mechanisms of non-heme iron enzymes. Here, we have used the model complex Fe(Me(3)TACN)(NO)(N(3))(2) as an experimental marker and determined that a pure density functional BP86 with 10% hybrid character and a mixed triple-zeta/double-zeta basis set lead to agreement between experimental and computational data. This methodology is then applied to optimize the hypothetical Fe(Me(3)TACN)(O(2))(N(3))(2) complex, where the NO moiety is replaced by O(2). The main geometric differences are an elongated Fe[bond]O(2) and a steeper Fe[bond]O[bond]O angle in the [FeO(2)](8) complex. The electronic structure of [FeO(2)](8) corresponds to Fe(III) (S = 5/2) antiferromagnetically coupled to O(2)(-) (S = 1/2), and, consistent with the extended bond length, the [FeO(2)](8) unit has only one Fe(III)-O(2)(-) bonding interaction, while the [FeNO](7) unit has both sigma and pi type Fe(III)-NO(-) bonds. This is in agreement with experiment as NO forms a more stable Fe(III)-NO(-) adduct relative to O(2)(-). Although NO is, in fact, harder to reduce, the resultant NO(-) species forms a more stable bond to Fe(III) relative to O(2)(-) due to the different bonding interactions.     

Mechanistic studies on the reactions of cyanide with a water-soluble Fe(III) porphyrin and their effect on the binding of NO

The reaction of the water-soluble Fe(III)(TMPS) porphyrin with CN(-) in basic solution leads to the stepwise formation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) and Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2). The kinetics of the reaction of CN(-) with Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) was studied as a function of temperature and pressure. The positive value of the activation volume for the formation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) is consistent with the operation of a dissociatively activated mechanism and confirms the six-coordinate nature of the monocyano complex. A good agreement between the rate constants at pH 8 and 9 for the formation of the dicyano complex implies the presence of water in the axial position trans to coordinated cyanide in the monocyano complex and eliminates the existence of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(OH) under the selected reaction conditions. Both Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(H(2)O) and Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) bind nitric oxide (NO) to form the same nitrosyl complex, namely, Fe(II)(TMPS)(CN)(NO(+)). Kinetic studies indicate that nitrosylation of Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) follows a limiting dissociative mechanism that is supported by the independence of the observed rate constant on [NO] at an appropriately high excess of NO, and the positive values of both the activation parameters ΔS(?) and ΔV(?) found for the reaction under such conditions. The relatively small first-order rate constant for NO binding, namely, (1.54 ± 0.01) × 10(-2) s(-1), correlates with the rate constant for CN(-) release from the Fe(III)(TMPS)(CN)(2) complex, namely, (1.3 ± 0.2) × 10(-2) s(-1) at 20 °C, and supports the proposed nitrosylation mechanism.     

Iron(III)-nitro porphyrins: theoretical exploration of a unique class of reactive molecules

DFT(PW91/TZP) calculations, including full geometry optimizations, have been carried on [FeII(P)(NO2)]-, Fe(III)(P)(NO2), [Fe(II)(P)(NO2)(py)]-, Fe(III)(P)(NO2)(py), [Fe(III)(P)(NO2)2]-, and Fe(III)(P)(NO2)(NO), where P is the unsubstituted porphine dianion, as well as on certain picket fence porphyrin (TPivPP) analogues. The bonding in [Fe(II)(P)(NO2)]- and Fe(III)(P)(NO2), as well as in their pyridine adducts, reveals a sigma-donor interaction of the nitrite HOMO and the Fe dz2 orbital, where the Fe-Nnitro axis is defined as the z direction and the nitrite plane is identified as xz. Both molecules also feature a pi-acceptor interaction of the nitrite LUMO and the Fe dyz orbital, whereas the SOMO of the Fe(III)-nitro complexes may be identified as dxz. The Fe(III)-nitro porphyrins studied all exhibit extremely high adiabatic electron affinities, ranging from about 2.5 eV for Fe(III)(P)(NO2) and Fe(III)(P)(NO2)(py) to about 3.4 eV for their TPivPP analogues. Transition-state optimizations for oxygen-atom transfer from Fe(III)(P)(NO2) and Fe(III)(P)(NO2)(py) to dimethyl sulfide yielded activation energies of 0.45 and 0.77 eV, respectively, which is qualitatively consistent with the observed far greater stability of Fe(III)(TPivPP)(NO2)(py) relative to Fe(III)(TPivPP)(NO2). Addition of NO to yield {FeNO}6 nitro-nitrosyl adducts such as Fe(P)(NO2)(NO) provides another mechanism whereby Fe(III)-nitro porphyrins can relieve their extreme electron affinities. In Fe(P)(NO2)(NO), the bonding involves substantial Fe-NO pi-bonding, but the nitrite acts essentially as a simple sigma-donor, which accounts for the relatively long Fe-Nnitro distance in this molecule.     

Selective Oxygen Transfers with Iron(III) Porphyrin Nitrite

The reaction of octaethylporphyrin iron(III) chloride with potassium crown ether (18-crown-6) nitrite in N-methylpyrrolidone-1% acetic acid under argon generates the iron(III) nitrite salt (PFeNO(2)). The latter is a unique and selective oxygen atom transfer reagent. The reaction of a broad range of substrates (S) proceeds quantitatively to yield the oxidized substrate and the iron(II) porphyrin-nitrosyl adduct: PFeNO(2) + S --> PFeNO + SO. Diatomic molecules to which oxygen is directly transferred from PFeNO(2) are NO, CO, and O(2). The conversion NO to NO(2) is shown via (15)NO(2)(-) labeling experiments to proceed exclusively by the O atom transfer process. The ozone, generated from dioxygen, was trapped with nitrite ion and the two olefins 2-methyl-2 butene and 2,3-dimethyl-2 butene. These substances are inert to PFeNO(2) under argon. However, in an oxygen-saturated reaction mixture, nitrite produced nitrate. The olefins, following reduction of the reaction mixture with Zn/HOAc, yielded 1 mol of acetone and acetaldehyde and 2 mol of acetone, respectively. Other simple O atom transfers under argon were observed with dimethyl sulfide and triphenylphosphine. The PFeNO(2) reagent shows a preference for O insertion into allylic, benzylic, and aldehydic C-H bonds. Thus, no olefin containing these moieties is epoxidized. However, styrene and cis-stilbene are converted to styrene oxide and cis-stilbene oxide, respectively. The double oxidation of allylbenzene to trans-cinnamaldehyde entails an allylic rearrangement that suggests radical character to the O insertion process. However, no kinetic evidence for this was obtained. The reaction is an overall third-order process, rate = k(PFe(III))(NO(2)(-))(S). There was no correlation of observed rates with relevant C-H bond dissociation energies of substrates. The fastest reacting substrate was nitric oxide (k(22) degrees = 52 M(-)(2) s(-)(1)) and the slowest was toluene (k(50) degrees = 6.3 x 10(-)(4) M(-)(2) s(-)(1)). The range and selectivity of these O atom transfers sets them apart from the catalytic oxidations brought about by reactions of iron(III) porphyrins with peroxides, iodosoaryls, hypochlorite, and other oxidants. The driving force for the relatively mild oxidations with PFeNO(2) resides in the thermodynamic stability of the heme-NO adduct. Given the broad presence of nitrite in the environment and the ubiquity of porphyrins in the biosphere, the activation of nitrite by iron porphyrins has both an environmental and biochemical significance.     

Syntheses and structural characterization of dinuclear and tetranuclear iron(III) complexes with dinucleating ligands and their reactions with hydrogen peroxide

The iron(III) complexes [Fe(2)(HPTB)(mu-OH)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2).CH(3)OH.2H(2)O (1), [Fe(2)(HPTB)(mu-OCH(3))(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2).4.5CH(3)OH (2), [Fe(2)(HPTB)(mu-OH)(OBz)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4.5H(2)O (3), [Fe(2)(N-EtOH-HPTB)(mu-OH)(NO(3))(2)](ClO(4))(NO(3)).3CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O (4), [Fe(2)(5,6-Me(2)-HPTB)(mu-OH)(NO(3))(2)](ClO(4))(NO(3)).3.5CH(3)OH.C(2)H(5)OC(2)H(5).0.5H(2)O (5), and [Fe(4)(HPTB)(2)(mu-F)(2)(OH)(4)](ClO(4))(4).CH(3)CN.C(2)H(5)OC(2)H(5).H(2)O (6) were synthesized (HPTB = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxo-1,3-diaminopropane, N-EtOH-HPTB = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(N' '-(2-hydroxoethyl)-2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxo-1,3-diaminopropane, 5,6-Me(2)-HPTB = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(5,6-dimethyl-2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxo-1,3-diaminopropane). The molecular structures of 2-6 were established by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Iron(II) complexes with ligands similar to the dinucleating ligands described herein have been used previously as model compounds for the dioxygen uptake at the active sites of non-heme iron enzymes. The same metastable (mu-peroxo)diiron(III) adducts were observed during these studies. They can be prepared by adding hydrogen peroxide to the iron(III) compounds 1-6. Using stopped-flow techniques these reactions were kinetically investigated in different solvents and a mechanism was postulated.     

Reactions of nitrogen oxides with heme models. Spectral and kinetic study of nitric oxide reactions with solid and solute Fe(III)(TPP)(NO3)

The reaction(s) of nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide) gas with sublimed layers containing the nitrato iron(III) complex Fe(III)(TPP)(eta(2)-O(2)NO) (1, TPP = meso-tetraphenyl porphyrinate(2)(-)) leads to formation of several iron porphyrin species that are ligated by various nitrogen oxides. The eventual products of these low-temperature solid-state reactions are the nitrosyl complex Fe(TPP)(NO), the nitro-nitrosyl complex Fe(TPP)(NO(2))(NO), and 1 itself, and the relative final quantities of these were functions of the NO partial pressure. It is particularly notable that isotope labeling experiments show that the nitrato product is not simply unreacted 1 but is the result of a series of transformations taking place in the layered material. Thus, the nitrato complex formed from solid Fe(TPP)(eta(2)-O(2)NO) maintained under a (15)NO atmosphere was found to be the labeled analogue Fe(TPP)(eta(2)-O(2)(15)NO). The reactivities of the layered solids are compared to the behaviors of the same species in ambient temperature solutions. To interpret the reactions of the labeled nitrogen oxides, the potential exchange reactions between N(2)O(3) and (15)NO were examined, and complete isotope scrambling was observed between these species under the reaction conditions (T = 140 K). Overall it was concluded from isotope labeling experiments that the sequence of reactions is initiated by reaction of 1 with NO to give the nitrato nitrosyl complex Fe(TPP)(eta(1)-ONO(2))(NO) (2) as an intermediate. This is followed by a reaction in the presence of excess NO that is equivalent to the loss of the nitrate radical NO(3)(*)( )()to give Fe(TPP)(NO) as another transient species. A plausible pathway involving NO attack on the coordinated nitrate of 2 resulting in the release of N(2)O(4) concerted with electron transfer to the metal center is proposed.     

O atom transfer from nitric oxide catalyzed by Fe(TPP).

The reaction of NO-Fe(TPP) with low pressures of NO gas proceeds through three distinct transformations, the first of which we suggest is the formation of an N--N-coupled, (NO)(2) adduct intermediate. The subsequent formation of NO(NO(2))Fe(TPP), which under these conditions readily loses NO, suggests that it is formed by addition of free NO(2) to the starting nitrosyl. A mechanism is proposed which implies that the addition of a competitive O atom acceptor would lead to catalytic production of N(2)O. In agreement with the proposed mechanism, the formation of N(2)O is decoupled from the formation of the nitrite by using PPh(3) as the competitive acceptor. The mechanism of O atom transfer was examined by cross-labeling experiments, which show that both O atoms in the intermediate are equivalent, even under catalytic conditions. The formation of an intermediate was confirmed by IR spectroscopy of the heterogeneous reaction of an NO-Fe(TPP) film with gaseous NO, in which transient, isotope-sensitive nu(NO) bands are seen prior to NO(NO(2))Fe(TPP) formation. Mixed (14)N/(15)N label experiments demonstrate coupling between the two bound nitrosyls in the transient species.     

Hemoglobin as a nitrite anhydrase: modeling methemoglobin-mediated N2O3 formation

Nitrite has recently been recognized as a storage form of NO in blood and as playing a key role in hypoxic vasodilation. The nitrite ion is readily reduced to NO by hemoglobin in red blood cells, which, as it happens, also presents a conundrum. Given NO’s enormous affinity for ferrous heme, a key question concerns how it escapes capture by hemoglobin as it diffuses out of the red cells and to the endothelium, where vasodilation takes place. Dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃) has been proposed as a vehicle that transports NO to the endothelium, where it dissociates to NO and NO₂. Although N₂O₃ formation might be readily explained by the reaction Hb‐Fe³⁺+NO₂^?+NO?Hb‐Fe²⁺+N₂O₃, the exact manner in which methemoglobin (Hb‐Fe³⁺), nitrite and NO interact with one another is unclear. Both an “Hb‐Fe³⁺‐NO₂^?+NO” pathway and an “Hb‐Fe³⁺‐NO+NO₂^?” pathway have been proposed. Neither pathway has been established experimentally. Nor has there been any attempt until now to theoretically model N₂O₃ formation, the so‐called nitrite anhydrase reaction. Both pathways have been examined here in a detailed density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP/TZP) study and both have been found to be feasible based on energetics criteria. Modeling the “Hb‐Fe³⁺‐NO₂^?+NO” pathway proved complex. Not only are multiple linkage‐isomeric (N‐ and O‐coordinated) structures conceivable for methemoglobin–nitrite, multiple isomeric forms are also possible for N₂O₃ (the lowest‐energy state has an N? N‐bonded nitronitrosyl structure, O₂N? NO). We considered multiple spin states of methemoglobin–nitrite as well as ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling of the Fe³⁺ and NO spins. Together, the isomerism and spin variables result in a diabolically complex combinatorial space of reaction pathways. Fortunately, transition states could be successfully calculated for the vast majority of these reaction channels, both M_S=0 and M_S=1. For a six‐coordinate Fe³⁺‐O‐nitrito starting geometry, which is plausible for methemoglobin–nitrite, we found that N₂O₃ formation entails barriers of about 17–20 kcal mol^?1, which is reasonable for a physiologically relevant reaction. For the “Hb‐Fe³⁺‐NO+NO₂^?” pathway, which was also found to be energetically reasonable, our calculations indicate a two‐step mechanism. The first step involves transfer of an electron from NO₂^? to the Fe³⁺–heme–NO center ({FeNO}⁶) , resulting in formation of nitrogen dioxide and an Fe²⁺–heme–NO center ({FeNO}⁷). Subsequent formation of N₂O₃ entails a barrier of only 8.1 kcal mol^?1. From an energetics point of view, the nitrite anhydrase reaction thus is a reasonable proposition. Although it is tempting to interpret our results as favoring the “{FeNO}⁶+NO₂^?” pathway over the “Fe³⁺‐nitrite+NO” pathway, both pathways should be considered energetically reasonable for a biological reaction and it seems inadvisable to favor a unique reaction channel based solely on quantum chemical modeling.     

Complexes of HNO3 and NO3 - with NO2 and N2O4, and their potential role in atmospheric HONO formation

Calculations were performed to determine the structures, energetics, and spectroscopy of the atmospherically relevant complexes (HNO(3)).(NO(2)), (HNO(3)).(N(2)O(4)), (NO(3)(-)).(NO(2)), and (NO(3)(-)).(N(2)O(4)). The binding energies indicate that three of the four complexes are quite stable, with the most stable (NO(3)(-)).(N(2)O(4)) possessing binding energy of almost -14 kcal mol(-1). Vibrational frequencies were calculated for use in detecting the complexes by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. An ATR-FTIR experiment showed features at 1632 and 1602 cm(-1) that are attributed to NO(2) complexed to NO(3)(-) and HNO(3), respectively. The electronic states of (HNO(3)).(N(2)O(4)) and (NO(3)(-)).(N(2)O(4)) were investigated using an excited state method and it was determined that both complexes possess one low-lying excited state that is accessible through absorption of visible radiation. Evidence for the existence of (NO(3)(-)).(N(2)O(4)) was obtained from UV/vis absorption spectra of N(2)O(4) in concentrated HNO(3), which show a band at 320 nm that is blue shifted by 20 nm relative to what is observed for N(2)O(4) dissolved in organic solvents. Finally, hydrogen transfer reactions within the (HNO(3)).(NO(2)) and (HNO(3)).(N(2)O(4)) complexes leading to the formation of HONO, were investigated. In both systems the calculated potential profiles rule out a thermal mechanism, but indicate the reaction could take place following the absorption of visible radiation. We propose that these complexes are potentially important in the thermal and photochemical production of HONO observed in previous laboratory and field studies.     

NO* release from MbFe(II)NO and HbFe(II)NO after oxidation by peroxynitrite

In this work, we showed that the reaction of peroxynitrite with MbFe(II)NO, in analogy to the corresponding reaction with HbFe(II)NO (Herold, S. Inorg. Chem. 2004, 43, 3783-3785), proceeds in two steps via the formation of MbFe(III)NO, from which NO* dissociates to produce iron(III)myoglobin (Mb = myoglobin; Hb = hemoglobin). The second-order rate constants for the first steps are on the order of 10(4) and 10(3) M(-1) s(-1), for the reaction of peroxynitrite with MbFe(II)NO and HbFe(II)NO, respectively. For both proteins, we found that the values of the second-order rate constants increase with decreasing pH, an observation that suggests that HOONO is the species responsible for oxidation of the iron center. Nevertheless, it cannot be excluded that the pH-dependence arises from different conformations taken up by the proteins at different pH values. In the presence of 1.2 mM CO2, the values of the second-order rate constants are larger, on the order of 10(5) and 10(4) M(-1) s(-1), for the reaction of peroxynitrite with MbFe(II)NO and HbFe(II)NO, respectively. The pH-dependence of the values for the reaction with MbFe(II)NO suggests that ONOOCO2- or the radicals produced from its decay (CO3*-/NO2*) are responsible for the oxidation of MbFe(II)NO to MbFe(III)NO. In the presence of large amounts of nitrite (in the tens and hundreds of millimoles range), we observed a slight acceleration of the rate of oxidation of HbFe(II)NO by peroxynitrite. A catalytic rate constant of 40 +/- 2 M(-1) s(-1) was determined at pH 7.0. Preliminary studies of the reaction between nitrite and HbFe(II)NO showed that this compound also can oxidize the iron center, albeit at a significantly slower rate. At pH 7.0, we obtained an approximate second-order rate constant of 3 x 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1).     

Photocatalytic disproportionation of nitrite to dinitrogen and nitrate in an aqueous suspension of metal-loaded titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles

Photocatalytic reaction of a nitrite ion in aqueous suspensions of bare and metal-loaded TiO(2) particles was examined without electron and hole scavengers under irradiation of UV light. In the bare TiO(2) system, disproportionation of NO(2)(-) to N(2) (or N(2)O) and NO(3)(-) with nitrogen balance (NB) and redox balance (ROB) close to unity within experimental errors was observed, although the reaction was slow. Palladium (Pd)-loaded TiO(2) particles exhibited an extraordinarily large rate of disproportionation of NO(2)(-) in their aqueous suspension, i.e. NO(2)(-) was almost completely converted to N(2) (or N(2)O) and NO(3)(-) even after only 3 h of photoirradiation, both the values of NB and ROB being close to unity. This result suggests that Pd loaded on TiO(2) particles acted as storage sites for photogenerated electrons and effectively transferred the electrons to NO(2)(-) and, therefore, that the reduction process in the photocatalytic disproportionation of NO(2)(-) was accelerated by Pd loaded on TiO(2). Effects of the amount of Pd and pH of the suspension on the reaction rate were also examined.