Voltammetric study of interfacial electron transfer between bis(cyclopentadienyl)iron in organic solvents and hexacyanoferrate in water.

The electron-transfer reaction between bis(cyclopentadienyl)iron(II) ([Fe(II)(C5H5)2]) in nitrobenzene and a hexacyanoferrate redox couple ([Fe(II/III)(CN)6](4-/3-)) in water at the nitrobenzene / water interface was studied using normal pulse voltammetry. The voltammetric results indicate that the electron-transfer reaction takes place by way of a so-called ion-transfer (IT) mechanism, of which the forward and backward rate constants of the homogeneous electron-transfer reaction between [Fe(II/III)(C5H5)2](0/+) and [Fe(II/III)(CN)6](4-/3-) in the water phase have been determined. The electron-transfer reaction between [Fe(II)(C5H5)2] in 1,2-dichloroethane and [Fe(II/III)(CN)6](4-/3-) in water at the 1,2-dichloroethane / water interface was shown to also take place by the IT-mechanism.     

Disproportionation of O-methylhydroxylamine catalyzed by aquapentacyanoferrate(II)

The aquapentacyanoferrate(II) ion, [Fe(II)(CN)(5)H(2)O](3-), catalyzes the disproportionation reaction of O-methylhydroxylamine, NH(2)OCH(3), with stoichiometry 3NH(2)OCH(3) → NH(3) + N(2) + 3CH(3)OH. Kinetic and spectroscopic evidence support an initial N coordination of NH(2)OCH(3) to [Fe(II)(CN)(5)H(2)O](3-) followed by a homolytic scission leading to radicals [Fe(II)(CN)(5)(?)NH(2)](3-) (a precursor of Fe(III) centers and bound NH(3)) and free methoxyl, CH(3)O(?), thus establishing a radical path leading to N-methoxyamino ((?)NHOCH(3)) and 1,2-dimethoxyhydrazine, (NHOCH(3))(2). The latter species is moderately stable and proposed to be the precursor of N(2) and most of the generated CH(3)OH. Intermediate [Fe(III)(CN)(5)L](2-) complexes (L = NH(3), H(2)O) form dinuclear cyano-bridged mixed-valent species, affording a catalytic substitution of the L ligands promoted by [Fe(II)(CN)(5)L](3-). Free or bound NH(2)OCH(3) may act as reductants of [Fe(III)(CN)(5)L](2-), thus regenerating active sites. At increasing concentrations of NH(2)OCH(3) a coordinated diazene species emerges, [Fe(II)(CN)(5)N(2)H(2)](3-), which is consumed by the oxidizing CH(3)O(?), giving N(2) and CH(3)OH. Another side reaction forms [Fe(II)(CN)(5)N(O)CH(3)](3-), an intermediate containing the nitrosomethane ligand, which is further oxidized to the nitroprusside ion, [Fe(II)(CN)(5)NO](2-). The latter is a final oxidation product with a significant conversion of the initial [Fe(II)(CN)(5)H(2)O](3-) complex. The side reaction partially blocks the Fe(II)-aqua active site, though complete inhibition is not achieved because the radical path evolves faster than the formation rates of the Fe(II)-NO(+) bonds.     

Dinuclear iron(II)-cyanocarbonyl complexes linked by two/three bridging ethylthiolates: relevance to the active site of [Fe] hydrogenases

Dinuclear iron(II)-cyanocarbonyl complex [PPN](2)[Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(2)(mu-SEt)](2) (1) was prepared by the reaction of [PPN][FeBr(CN)(2)(CO)(3)] and [Na][SEt] in THF at ambient temperature. Reaction of complex 1 with [PPN][SEt] produced the triply thiolate-bridged dinuclear Fe(II) complex [PPN][(CN)(CO)(2)Fe(mu-SEt)(3)Fe(CO)(2)(CN)] (2) with the torsion angle of two CN(-) groups (C(5)N(2) and C(3)N(1)) being 126.9 degrees. The extrusion of two sigma-donor CN(-) ligands from Fe(II)Fe(II) centers of complex 1 as a result of the reaction of complex 1 and [PPN][SEt] reflects the electron-rich character of the dinuclear iron(II) when ligated by the third bridging ethylthiolate. The Fe-S distances (2.338(2) and 2.320(3) A for complexes 1 and 2, respectively) do not change significantly, but the Fe(II)-Fe(II) distance contracts from 3.505 A in complex 1 to 3.073 A in complex 2. The considerably longer Fe(II)-Fe(II) distance of 3.073 A in complex 2, compared to the reported Fe-Fe distances of 2.6/2.62 A in DdHase and CpHase, was attributed to the presence of the third bridging ethylthiolate, instead of pi-accepting CO-bridged ligand as observed in [Fe] hydrogenases. Additionally, in a compound of unusual composition ([Na.(5)/(2)H(2)O][(CN)(CO)(2)Fe(mu-SEt)(3)Fe(CO)(2)(CN)])(n)((1)/(2)O(Et)(2))(n) (3), the Na(+) cations and H(2)O molecules combining with dinuclear [(CN)(CO)(2)Fe(mu-SEt)(3)Fe(CO)(2)(CN)](-) anions create a polymeric framework wherein two CN(-) ligands are coordinated via CN(-)-Na(+)/CN(-)-(Na(+))(2) linkages, respectively.     

Two WV-MnIII bimetallic assemblies built by octacyanotungstate(v) and MnIII Schiff bases: molecular structures and a spin-flop transition

Two W(V)-Mn(III) bimetallic compounds, [Mn(Cl-salmen)(H(2)O)2]{[Mn(5-Clsalmen)(H(2)O)]2[W(CN)8].2H(2)O (1.2H(2)O) [5-Clsalmen = N,N'-(1-methylethylene)bis(5-chlorosalicylideneiminato) dianion], which contains trinuclear Mn(2)W and isolated Mn(III) moieties, and [Mn(3-MeOsalcy)(H(2)O)2]3[W(CN)(8)].2H(2)O (2.2H(2)O) [3-MeOsalcy = N,N'-(trans-1,2-cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(3-methoxysalicylideneiminato) dianion] molecules were prepared in redox processes and characterized using X-ray analysis and magnetic measurements. Compound 1 is composed of the {[Mn(5-Clsalmen)(H(2)O)]2[W(CN)8]}- trimer, in which two CN groups among eight in [W(CN)8](3-) bridge W(5+) and two Mn(3+) ions and the remaining CN ligands are hydrogen-bonded to water molecules or unbound, and the [Mn(Cl-salmen)(H(2)O)2]+ cation. Subsequently, two water molecules of the isolated cation are subject to hydrogen bonds. For 2, there are no covalent bonds among the subunits and six serial stacks of [Mn(3-MeOsalcy)(H(2)O)2]+ units are all hydrogen-bonded. The many hydrogen bonds found in both complexes eventually lead to three-dimensional networks. The magnetic studies for 1 reveal that antiferromagnetic interactions (J = -5.4 cm(-1)) between W(V) and Mn(III) centers within the trimer are transmitted via the bridging CN groups. Intermolecular antiferromagnetic couplings (zJ' = -0.2 cm(-1)) are also observed. The static and dynamic magnetic data of 1 demonstrate the existence of a field-induced spin-flop transition occurring among the clusters and monomeric molecules.     

Synthetic and structural studies on [Fe2(SR)2(CN)x(CO)6-x](x-) as active site models for Fe-only hydrogenases.

A series of models for the active site (H-cluster) of the iron-only hydrogenase enzymes (Fe-only H2-ases) were prepared. Treatment of MeCN solutions of Fe2(SR)2(CO)6 with 2 equiv of Et4NCN gave [Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-) compounds. IR spectra of the dicyanides feature four nu(CO) bands between 1965 and 1870 cm(-1) and two nu(CN) bands at 2077 and 2033 cm(-1). For alkyl derivatives, both diequatorial and axial-equatorial isomers were observed by NMR analysis. Also prepared were a series of dithiolate derivatives (Et4N)2[Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4], where (SR)2 = S(CH2)2S, S(CH2)3S. Reaction of Et4NCN with Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CO)6 gave initially [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-), which comproportionated to give [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)(CO)5](-). The mechanism of the CN(-)-for-CO substitution was probed as follows: (i) excess CN(-) with a 1:1 mixture of Fe2(SMe)2(CO)6 and Fe2(SC6H4Me)2(CO)6 gave no mixed thiolates, (ii) treatment of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 with Me3NO followed by Et4NCN gave (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5], which is a well-behaved salt, (iii) treatment of Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 with Et4NCN in the presence of excess PMe3 gave (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)4(PMe3)] much more rapidly than the reaction of PMe3 with (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5], and (iv) a competition experiment showed that Et4NCN reacts with Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 more rapidly than with (Et4N)[Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5]. Salts of [Fe2(SR)2(CN)2(CO)4](2-) (for (SR)2 = (SMe)2 and S2C2H4) and the monocyanides [Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)(CO)5](-) and [Fe2(S-t-Bu)2(CN)(CO)5](-) were characterized crystallographically; in each case, the Fe-CO distances were approximately 10% shorter than the Fe-CN distances. The oxidation potentials for Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)4L2 become milder for L = CO, followed by MeNC, PMe3, and CN(-); the range is approximately 1.3 V. In water,oxidation of [Fe2(S2C3H6)(CN)2(CO)4](2-) occurs irreversibly at -0.12 V (Ag/AgCl) and is coupled to a second oxidation.     

2[Mn(acacen)]+ + 1[Fe(CN)5NO]- polynuclear heterobimetallic coordination compounds of different dimensionality in the solid state

Depending on the synthetic conditions, five heterometallic Mn(III)Fe(II) polynuclear compounds with the same ratio of constituents, 2[Mn(acacen)](+)/[Fe(CN)(5)NO](2-), of different nuclearity and dimensionality (0D, 1D, 2D) were isolated. A [Mn(acacen)MeOH](2)[Fe(CN)(5)NO]·1.5MeOH, 1 complex has been prepared by reaction of Mn(III)/Schiff base (SB) complex, [Mn(acacen)Cl] (H(2)acacen is N,N'-ethylenebis(acetylacetoneimine)) with sodium nitroprusside (NP). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that crystallization of 1 from coordinating or non-coordinating solvents results in different coordination polynuclear materials: from C(2)H(5)OH [{Mn(acacen)H(2)O}(2)Fe(CN)(5)NO]·C(2)H(5)OH, 2, a trinuclear complex is formed; from CH(3)CN [{Mn(acacen)H(2)O}(4)Fe(CN)(5)NO][Fe(CN)(5)NO]·4CH(3)CN, an ionic compound with a pentanuclear bimetallic cation is formed 3; from i-C(3)H(7)OH [{Mn(acacen)}(2)(i-PrOH)Fe(CN)(5)NO](n), a coordination chain polymer 4 is formed; from toluene [{Mn(acacen)}(2)Fe(CN)(5)NO](n), a layered network 5 is formed. As the magnetic measurements show, for all compounds the weak interaction between Mn(III)S = 2 spins through the NP bridge is antiferromagnetic and exhibits no significant photoactivity.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the interaction of nitric oxide with pentacyanoferrate(II). Formation and dissociation of [Fe(CN)5NO]3 -

The interaction of NO with [Fe(CN)(5)H(2)O](3)(-) (generated by aquation of the corresponding ammine complex) to produce [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) was studied by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The reaction product is the well characterized nitrosyl complex, described as a low-spin Fe(II) bound to the NO radical. The experiments were performed in the pH range 4-10, at different concentrations of NO, temperatures and pressures. The rate law was first-order in each of the reactants, with the specific complex-formation rate constant, k(f)( )()= 250 +/- 10 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) (25.4 degrees C, I = 0.1 M, pH 7.0), DeltaH(f)() = 70 +/- 1 kJ mol(-)(1), DeltaS(f)() = +34 +/- 4 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1), and DeltaV(f)() = +17.4 +/- 0.3 cm(3) mol(-)(1). These values support a dissociative mechanism, with rate-controlling dissociation of coordinated water, and subsequent fast coordination of NO. The complex-formation process depends on pH, indicating that the initial product [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) is unstable, with a faster decomposition rate at lower pH. The decomposition process is associated with release of cyanide, further reaction of NO with [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2)(-), and formation of nitroprusside and other unknown products. The decomposition can be prevented by addition of free cyanide to the solutions, enabling a study of the dissociation process of NO from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-). Cyanide also acts as a scavenger for the [Fe(CN)(5)](3)(-) intermediate, giving [Fe(CN)(6)](4)(-) as a final product. From the first-order behavior, the dissociation rate constant was obtained as k(d) = (1.58 +/- 0.06) x 10(-)(5) s(-)(1) at 25.0 degrees C, I = 0.1 M, and pH 10.2. Activation parameters were found to be DeltaH(d)() = 106.4 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-)(1), DeltaS(d)() = +20 +/- 2 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1), and DeltaV(d)() = +7.1 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-)(1), which are all in line with a dissociative mechanism. The low value of k(d) as compared to values for the release of other ligands L from [Fe(II)(CN)(5)L](n)()(-) suggests a moderate to strong sigma-pi interaction of NO with the iron(II) center. It is concluded that the release of NO from nitroprusside in biological media does not originate from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) produced on reduction of nitroprusside but probably proceeds through the release of cyanide and further reactions of the [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2)(-) ion.     

Six-coordinate and five-coordinate Fe(II)(CN)(2)(CO)(x) thiolate complexes (x = 1, 2): synthetic advances for iron sites of [NiFe] hydrogenases

The dicyanodicarbonyliron(II) thiolate complexes trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (2), N(Et)(2) (3)) were prepared by the reaction of [Na][S-C(S)-R] and [Fe(CN)(2)(CO)(3)(Br)](-) (1). Complex 1 was obtained from oxidative addition of cyanogen bromide to [Fe(CN)(CO)(4)](-). In a similar fashion, reaction of complex 1 with [Na][S,O-C(5)H(4)N], and [Na][S,N-C(5)H(4)] produced the six-coordinate trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,O-C(5)H(4)N)](-) (6) and trans,cis-[(CN)(2)(CO)(2)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (7) individually. Photolysis of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of complexes 2, 3, and 7 under CO led to formation of the coordinatively unsaturated iron(II) dicyanocarbonyl thiolate compounds [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) (R = OEt (4), N(Et)(2) (5)) and [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,N-C(5)H(4))](-) (8), respectively. The IR v(CN) stretching frequencies and patterns of complexes 4, 5, and 8 have unambiguously identified two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions. In addition, density functional theory calculations suggest that the architecture of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 with a vacant site trans to the CO ligand and two CN(-) ligands occupying cis positions serves as a conformational preference. Complexes 2, 3, and 7 were reobtained when the THF solution of complexes 4, 5, and 8 were exposed to CO atmosphere at 25 degrees C individually. Obviously, CO ligand can be reversibly bound to the Fe(II) site in these model compounds. Isotopic shift experiments demonstrated the lability of carbonyl ligands of complexes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Complexes [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) and NiA/NiC states [NiFe] hydrogenases from D. gigas exhibit a similar one-band pattern in the v(CO) region and two-band pattern in the v(CN) region individually, but in different positions, which may be accounted for by the distinct electronic effects between [S,S-C-R](-) and cysteine ligands. Also, the facile formations of five-coordinate complexes 4, 5, and 8 imply that the strong sigma-donor, weak pi-acceptor CN(-) ligands play a key role in creating/stabilizing five-coordinate iron(II) [(CN)(2)(CO)Fe(S,S-C-R)](-) complexes with a vacant coordination site trans to the CO ligand.     

Facile access to redox-active C2-bridged complexes with half-sandwich manganese end groups

The dinuclear mixed-valent complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC(2)Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)](+)[(eta2-MeC5H4)3Mn](-)[1](+)[2]- (dmpe=1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) was prepared by the reaction of [Mn(MeC5H4)2] with dmpe and Me(3)SnC[triple chemical bond]CSnMe3. The reactions of [1](+)[2]- with K[PF6] and Na[BPh4] yielded the corresponding anion metathesis products [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6] ([1][PF6]) and [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][BPh4] ([1][BPh4]). These mixed-valent species can be reduced to the neutral form by reaction with Na/Hg. The obtained complex [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)] (1) displays a triplet/singlet spin equilibrium in solution and in the solid state, which was additionally studied by DFT calculations. The diamagnetic dicationic species [(MeC5H4)(dmpe)MnC2Mn(dmpe)(C5H4Me)][PF6]2 ([1][PF6]2) was obtained by oxidizing the mixed-valent complex [1][PF6] with one equivalent of [Fe(C5H5)2][PF6]. Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction studies were performed on [1][2], [1][PF6], [1][BPh4], and [1][PF6]2.     

Incorporation of substitutionally labile [V(III)(CN)6]3- into prussian blue type magnetic materials

A Prussian blue (PB) type material containing hexacyanovanadate(III), Mn(II)1.5[V(III)(CN)6].(0.30)MeCN (1), was formed from the reaction of [V(III)(CN)6](3-) with [Mn(NCMe)6](2+) in MeCN. This new material exhibits ferrimagnetic spin- or cluster-glass behavior below a Tc of 12K with observed magnetic hysteresis at 2 K (Hcr = 65 Oe and Mrem = 730 emu.Oe/mol). Reactions of [V(III)(CN)6](3-) with [M(II)(NCMe)6](2+) (M = Fe, Co, Ni) in MeCN lead to either partial (M = Co) or complete (M = Fe, Ni) linkage isomerization, resulting in compounds of Fe(II)(0.5)V(III)[Fe(II)(CN)6].(0.85)MeCN (2), (NEt4)(0.10)Co(II)(1.5- a)V(II)a[Co(III)(CN)6]a [V(III)(CN)6](1-a)(BF4)(0.10).(0.35)MeCN (3), and (NEt4)(0.20)V(III)[Ni(II)(CN)4](1.6).(0.10)MeCN (4) compositions. Compounds 2-4 do not magnetically order as a consequence of diamagnetic cyanometalate anions being present, i.e., [Fe(II)(CN)6](4-), [Co(III)(CN)6](3-), and [Ni(II)(CN)4](2-). Incorporation of [V(III)(CN)6](3-) into PB-type materials is synthetically challenging because of the lability of the cyanovanadate(III) anion.     

Charge-transfer phase transition and zero thermal expansion in caesium manganese hexacyanoferrates

A series of caesium manganese hexacyanoferrates is prepared; Cs(I)(1.78)Mn(II)[Fe(II)(CN)6]0.78[Fe(III)(CN)6](0.22) (1), Cs(I)(1.57)Mn(II)[Fe(II)(CN)6]0.57[Fe(III)(CN)6](0.43) (2), Cs(I)(1.51)Mn(II)[Fe(II)(CN)6]0.51[Fe(III)(CN)6](0.49) (3), and Cs(I)(0.94)Mn(II)[Fe(II)(CN)6]0.21[Fe(III)(CN)6](0.70).0.8H2O (4). 1-3 show charge-transfer phase transitions between the high-temperature (HT) and low-temperature (LT) phases with transition temperatures (T(1/2 downward arrow), T(1/2 upward arrow)) of (207 K, 225 K) (1), (190 K, 231 K) (2), and (175 K, 233 K) (3) at a cooling and warming rates of 0.5 K min(-1). Variable temperature IR spectra indicate that the valence states of the LT phases of 1-3 are Cs(I)(1.78)Mn(II)(0.78)Mn(III)(0.22)[Fe(II)(CN)6], Cs(I)(1.57)Mn(II)(0.57)Mn(III)(0.43)[Fe(II)(CN)6], and Cs(I)(1.51)Mn(II)(0.51)Mn(III)(0.49) [Fe(II)(CN)6], respectively. The XRD measurements for 1-3 show that crystal structures of the HT and LT phases are cubic structures (Fm3[combining macron]m), but the lattice constants decrease from the HT phase to the LT phase; a = 10.5446(17) --> 10.4280(7) A (1), 10.5589(17) --> 10.3421(24) A (2), and 10.5627(11) --> 10.3268(23) A (3). The magnetization vs. temperature curves and the magnetization vs. external magnetic field curves show that the LT phases are ferromagnetic with Curie temperatures of 4.3 (1), 5.0 (2), and 5.6 K (3). At a cooling rate of -0.5 K min(-1), 4 does not show the charge-transfer phase transition, but does show a behavior of zero thermal expansion with a thermal expansivity of +0.2 x 10(-6) K(-1) throughout the temperature range 300 and 20 K.     

DFT investigation of structural, electronic, and catalytic properties of diiron complexes related to the [2Fe](H) subcluster of Fe-only hydrogenases

Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of dihydrogen to protons and electrons. The structures of two Fe-only hydrogenases have been recently reported [Peters, J. W.; Lanzilotta, W. N.; Lemon, B. J.; Seefeldt, L. C. Science 1998, 282, 1853-1858. Nicolet, Y.; Piras, C.; Legrand, P.; Hatchikian, E. C.; Fontecilla-Camps, J. C. Structure 1999, 7, 13-23], showing that the likely site of dihydrogen activation is the so-called [2Fe](H) cluster, where each Fe ion is coordinated by CO and CN(-) ligands and the two metals are bridged by a chelating S-X(3)-S ligand. Moreover, the presence of a water molecule coordinated to the distal Fe2 center suggested that the Fe2 atom could be a suitable site for binding and activation of H(2). In this contribution, we report a density functional theory investigation of the structural and electronic properties of complexes derived from the [(CO)(CH(3)S)(CN)Fe(II)(mu-PDT)Fe(II)(CO)(2)(CN)](-1) species, which is related to the [2Fe](H) cluster observed in Fe-only hydrogenases. Our results show that the structure of the [2Fe](H) cluster observed in the enzyme does not correspond to a stable form of the isolated cluster, in the absence of the protein. As a consequence, the reactivity of [(CO)(CH(3)S)(CN)Fe(II)(mu-PDT)Fe(II)(CO)(2)(CN)](-1) derivatives in solution may be expected to be quite different from that of the active site of Fe-only hydrogenases. In fact, the most favorable path for H(2) activation involves the two metal atoms and one of the bridging S atoms and is associated with a very low activation energy (5.3 kcal mol(-1)). The relevance of these observations for the catalytic properties of Fe-only hydrogenases is discussed in light of available experimental and theoretical data.     

Iron(III) complex of a crown ether-porphyrin conjugate and reversible binding of superoxide to its Iron(II) form

The synthesis and characterization of the Fe(III) complex of a novel crown ether-porphyrin conjugate, 52-N-(4-aza-18-crown-6)methyl-54,104,154,204-tetra-tert-butyl-56-methyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (H2Porph), as well as the corresponding hydroxo, dimeric, Fe(II), and peroxo species are reported. The crystal structure of [FeIII(Porph)Cl].H3O+.FeCl4-.C6H6.EtOH is also reported. [FeIII(Porph)(DMSO)2]+ and K[FeIII(Porph)(O22-)] are high-spin species (M?ssbauer data: delta = 0.38 mm s(-1), DeltaEq = 0.83 mm s(-1) and delta = 0.41 mm s(-1), DeltaEq = 0.51 mm s(-1), respectively), whereas in a solution of reduced [FeIII(Porph)(DMSO)2]+ complex the low-spin [FeII(Porph)(DMSO)2] (delta = 0.44 mm s(-1), DeltaEq = 1.32 mm s(-1)) and high-spin [FeII(Porph)(DMSO)] (delta = 1.27 mm s(-1), DeltaEq = 3.13 mm s(-1)) iron(II) species are observed. The reaction of [FeIII(Porph)(DMSO)2]+ with KO2 in DMSO has been investigated. The first reaction step, involving reduction to [FeII(Porph)(DMSO)2], was not investigated in detail because of parallel formation of an Fe(III)-hydroxo species. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the second reaction step, reversible binding of superoxide to the Fe(II) complex and formation of an Fe(III)-peroxo species, were studied in detail (by stopped-flow time-resolved UV/vis measurements in DMSO at 25 degrees C), resulting in kon = 36 500 +/- 500 M(-1) s(-1), koff = 0.21 +/- 0.01 s(-1) (direct measurements using an acid as a superoxide scavenger), and KO2- = (1.7 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) (superoxide binding constant kinetically obtained as kon/koff), (1.4 +/- 0.1) x 10(5), and (9.0 +/- 0.1) x 10(4) M(-1) (thermodynamically obtained in the absence and in the presence of 0.1 M NBu4PF6, respectively). Temperature-dependent kinetic measurements for kon (-40 to 25 degrees C in 3:7 DMSO/CH3CN mixture) yielded the activation parameters DeltaH = 61.2 +/- 0.9 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS = +48 +/- 3 J K(-1) mol(-1). The observed reversible binding of superoxide to the metal center and the obtained kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are unique. The finding that fine-tuning of the proton concentration can cause the Fe(III)-peroxo species to release O2- and form an Fe(II) species is of biological interest, since this process might occur under very specific physiological conditions.     

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.     

Synthesis and structure of the incomplete cuboidal clusters [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3]+, [W3Se4H(3-x)(OH)x(dmpe)3]+ and [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3]+, and the mechanism of the acid-assisted substitution of the coordinated hydrides

The novel incomplete cuboidal cluster [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3](PF6), [1](PF6), has been prepared by reduction of [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with LiBH4 in THF solution. The trihydroxo complex [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3](PF6), [2](PF6), was obtained by reacting [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with NaOH in MeCN-H2O solution. The complexes [1](PF6) and [2](PF6) were converted to their BPh4- salts by treatment with NaBPh4. Recrystallisation of [1](BPh4) in the presence of traces of water affords the mixed dihydride hydroxo complex [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4). The crystal structures of [1](BPh4), [2](BPh4) and [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4) have been resolved. Although the [1]+ trihydride does not react with an excess of halide salts, reaction with HX leads to [W3Se4X3(dmpe)3]+ (X = Cl, Br). The kinetics of this reaction has been studied at 25 degrees C in MeCN-H2O solution (1:1, v/v) and found to occur with two consecutive kinetic steps. The first step is independent of the nature and concentration of the X(-) anion but shows a first order dependence on the concentration of acid (k1 = 12.0 mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1)), whereas the second one is independent of the nature and concentration of both the acid and added salts (k2 = 0.024 s(-1)). In contrast, the reaction of [2]+ with acids occurs in a single step with kobs = 0.63 s(-1)(HCl) and 0.17 s(-1)(HBr). These kinetic results are discussed on the basis of the mechanism previously proposed for the reactions of the analogous [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ cluster, with special emphasis on the effects caused by the change of S by Se on the rate constants for the different processes involved.     

Theoretical investigation on the electronic structure of pentacyano(L)ferrate(II) complexes with NO(+), NO, and NO(-) ligands. Redox interconversion, protonation, and cyanide-releasing reactions

Reaction pathways for the one- and two-electron reductions of [Fe(CN)(5)NO](2)(-) have been investigated by means of a density functional theory (DFT) approach combined with the polarized continuum model (PCM) of solvation. In addition, UV-vis spectroscopic data were obtained using ZINDO/S calculations including a point-charge model simulation of solvent effects. DFT methodologies have been used to assess the thermodynamical feasibility of protonation and cyanide-release processes for the reduced species. We conclude that [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) is a stable species in aqueous solution but may release cyanide yielding [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2)(-), consistent with experimental results. On the other hand, the [Fe(CN)(5)NO](4)(-) complex turns out to be unstable in solution, yielding the product of cyanide release, [Fe(CN)(4)NO](3)(-), and/or the protonated HNO complex. All the structural and spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis) predictions for the [Fe(CN)(5)HNO](3)(-) ion are consistent with the scarce but significant experimental evidence of its presence as an intermediate in nitrogen redox interconversion chemistry. Our computed data support an Fe(II)(LS) + NO(+) assignment for [Fe(CN)(5)NO](2)(-), an Fe(II)(LS) + NO assignment for the one-electron reduction product, but an Fe(I)(LS) + NO(+) for the one-electron product after dissociation of an axial cianide, and an Fe(II) + singlet NO(-) for the two-electron reduction species.     

Oxo-, hydroxo-, and peroxo-bridged Fe(III) phosphonate cages

A series of five Fe(III) phosphonate clusters with four different topologies is reported. The choice of coligand carboxylate plays an important role in directing the structure of the molecule. [Fe9(O)4(O2CCMe3)13(C10P)3] (1) and [Fe9(O)2(OH)(CO2Ph)10(C10P)6(H2O)2](CH3CN)7 (2; camphyl phosphonic acid, C10H17PO3H2 = C10PH2) represent two unprecedented nonanuclear Fe(III) cages having Fe9O4 and Fe9(O)2(OH) core structures, respectively. Whereas [Fe6O2(O)2(O2CCMe3)8(C10P)2 (H2O)2](CH3CN)4 (3) is a peroxo-bridged hexameric compound with an Fe6(O)2(O2) core. [Fe4(O)(O2CCMe3)4(C10P)3(Py)4](CH3CN)3 (4) and [Fe4(O)(O2CPh)4(C10P)3(Py)4](Py)3(CH3CN)2 (5; Py = pyridine) represents two tetranuclear clusters with the same Fe4O core structure.     

Synthesis of nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine by reactions of alkoxo complexes with acids

Nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy) have been synthesized and characterized. The three alkoxo complexes trans-(NO, OCH3), cis-(Cl, OCH3)-[RuCl(OCH3)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([2]PF6), trans-(NO, OC2H5), cis-(Cl, OC2H5)-[RuCl(OC2H5)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([3]PF6), and [RuCl(OC3H7)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([4]PF6) were synthesized by reactions of trans-(Cl, Cl), cis-(NO, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([1]PF6) with NaOCH3 in CH3OH, C2H5OH, and C3H7OH, respectively. Reactions of [3]PF6 with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and trifluoromethansulforic acid afford nitrosyl complexes in which the alkoxo ligand is substituted. The geometrical isomer of [1]PF6, trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(Cl, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([5]PF6), was obtained by the reaction of [3]PF6 in a hydrochloric acid solution. Reaction of [3]PF6 with trifluoromethansulforic acid in CH3CN gave trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(CH3CN, Cl)-[RuCl(CH3CN)(NO)(terpy)]2+ ([6]2+) under refluxing conditions. The structures of [3]PF6, [4]PF6.CH3CN, [5]CF3SO3, and [6](PF6)2 were determined by X-ray crystallograpy.     

Copper complexes of mono- and ditopic [(methylthio)methyl]borates: missing links and linked systems en route to copper enzyme models

TMEDA-free (TMEDA: tetramethylethylenediamine) LiCH(2)SMe is a suitable reagent for the selective introduction of (methylthio)methyl groups into PhBBr(2) and its p-silylated derivative Me(3)Si--C(6)H(4)--BBr(2). The resulting compounds, R*--C(6)H(4)--B(Br)(CH(2)SMe) (R*=H: 2; R*=SiMe(3): 7) and PhB(CH(2)SMe)(2) (3), form cyclic dimers through B--S adduct bonds in solution and in the solid state. Compounds 2 and 3 have successfully been used for preparing the (N(2)S) scorpionate [PhBpz(2)(CH(2)SMe)](-) ([5](-)) (pz: pyrazol-1-yl) and the (NS(2)) scorpionate [PhBpz(CH(2)SMe)(2)](-), respectively. Compound 7 proved to be an excellent building block for the heteroditopic poly(pyrazol-1-yl)borate p-[pz(3)B--C(6)H(4)--Bpz(2)(CH(2)SMe)](2-) ([10](2-)) that mimics the two ligation sites of the copper enzymes peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase and dopamine beta-monooxygenase. Treatment of the monotopic tripod [5](-) with CuCl and CuBr(2) results in the formation of complexes K[Cu(5)(2)] and [Cu(5)(2)]. An X-ray crystallography study of K[Cu(5)(2)] revealed a tetrahedral (N(2)S(2)) coordination environment for the Cu(I) ion, whereas the Cu(II) ion of [Cu(5)(2)] possesses a square-pyramidal (N(4)S) ligand sphere (S-atom in the axial position). The remarkable redox properties of K[Cu(5)(2)] and [Cu(5)(2)] have been assessed by cyclic voltammetry and quantum chemical calculations. The reaction of K[Cu(5)(2)] with dry air leads to the Cu(II) species [Cu(5)(2)] and to a tetranuclear Cu(II) complex featuring [PhB(O)pz(2)](2-) ligands. Addition of CuCl to K(2)[10] gives the complex K(3)[Cu(10)(2)] containing two ligand molecules per Cu(I) center. The Cu(I) ion binds to both heteroscorpionate moieties and thereby establishes a coordination environment similar to that of the Cu(I) ion in K[Cu(5)(2)].     

Release of NO from reduced nitroprusside ion. Iron-dinitrosyl formation and NO-disproportionation reactions

The kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition of the one-electron reduction product of [Fe(CN)(5)NO](2-) (nitroprusside ion, NP) have been studied by using UV-vis, IR, and EPR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometric and electrochemical techniques in the pH range of 4-10. The reduction product contains an equilibrium mixture of [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2-) and [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3-) ions. The first predominates at pH <8 and is formed by the rapid release of trans-cyanide from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3-), which, in turn, is the main component at pH >9-10. Both nitrosyl complexes decay by first-order processes with rate constants around 10(-5) s(-1) (pH 6-10) related to the dissociation of NO. The decomposition is enhanced at pH 4 by 2 orders of magnitude with protons (and also metal ions) favoring the release of cyanides from the [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2-) ions and the ensuing rapid delivery of NO. At pH 7, an EPR-silent intermediate I(1) is detected (nu(NO), 1695 and 1740 cm(-1)) and assigned to the trans-[Fe(II)(CN)(4)(NO)(2)](2-) ion, an {Fe(NO)(2)}(8) species. At pH 6-8, I(1) induces a disproportionation process with formation of N(2)O and the regeneration of nitroprusside in a 1:2 molar ratio. At lower pHs, I(1) leads, competitively, to a second paramagnetic (S = 1/2) dinitrosyl intermediate I(2), [Fe(CN)(2)(NO)(2)](1-), a new member of a series of four-coordinate {Fe(L)(2)(NO)(2)} complexes (L = thiolates, imidazole, etc.), described as {Fe(NO)(2)}(9). Other decomposition products are hexacyanoferrate(II) or free cyanide, depending on the pH, and precipitates of the Prussian-Blue type. This study throws light on the conditions favoring rapid release of NO, to promote vasodilatory effects upon NP injection, and describes new processes related to dinitrosyl formation and NO disproportionation, which are also relevant to the diverse biological processes associated with NO and N(2)O processing.