Reactivity of a (mu-oxo)(mu-hydroxo)diiron(III) diamond core with water, urea, substituted ureas, and acetamide

A series of iron(III) complexes of the tetradentate ligand BPMEN (N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine) were prepared and structurally characterized. Complex [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-OH)(BPMEN)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (1) contains a (mu-oxo)(mu-hydroxo)diiron(III) diamond core. Complex [Fe(BPMEN)(urea)(OEt)](ClO(4))(2) (2) is a rare example of a mononuclear non-heme iron(III) alkoxide complex. Complexes [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-OC(NH(2))NH)(BPMEN)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (3) and [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-OC(NHMe)NH)(BPMEN)(2)](ClO(4))(3) (4) feature N,O-bridging deprotonated urea ligands. The kinetics and equilibrium of the reactions of 1 with ligands L (L = water, urea, 1-methylurea, 1,1-dimethylurea, 1,3-dimethylurea, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea, and acetamide) in acetonitrile solutions were studied by stopped-flow UV-vis spectrophotometry, NMR, and mass spectrometry. All these ligands react with 1 in a rapid equilibrium, opening the four-membered Fe(III)(mu-O)(mu-OH)Fe(III) core and forming intermediates with a (HO)Fe(III)(mu-O)Fe(III)(L) core. The entropy and enthalpy for urea binding through oxygen are DeltaH degrees = -25 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS degrees = -53.4 J mol(-1) K(-1) with an equilibrium constant of K(1) = 37 L mol(-1) at 25 degrees C. Addition of methyl groups on one of the urea nitrogen did not affect this reaction, but the addition of methyl groups on both nitrogens considerably decreased the value of K(1). An opening of the hydroxo bridge in the diamond core complex [Fe(2)(mu-O)(mu-OH)(BPMEN)(2)] is a rapid associative process, with activation enthalpy of about 60 kJ mol(-1) and activation entropies ranging from -25 to -43 J mol(-1) K(-1). For the incoming ligands with the -CONH(2) functionality (urea, 1-methylurea, 1,1-dimethylurea, and acetamide), a second, slow step occurs, leading to the formation of stable N,O-coordinated amidate diiron(III) species such as 3 and 4. The rate of this ring-closure reaction is controlled by the steric bulk of the incoming ligand and by the acidity of the amide group.     

Aggregation control by homologous tripodal tetradentate amino acid ligands in oxo-bridged diiron(III) aquo complexes

Isoelectronic oxo-bridged diiron(III) aquo complexes of the homologous tripodal tetradentate amino acid ligands, N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3-aminoacetate (bpg(-)) and N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3-aminopropionate (bpp(-)), containing [(H(2)O)Fe(III)-(mu-O)-Fe(III)(H(2)O)](4+) cores, oligomerise, respectively, by dehydration and deprotonation, or by dehydration only, in reversible reactions. In the solid state, [Fe(2)(O)(bpp)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1(ClO(4))(2)) exhibits stereochemistry identical to that of [Fe(2)(O)(bpg)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2(ClO(4))(2)), with the ligand carboxylate donor oxygen atoms and the water molecules located cis to the oxo bridge and the tertiary amine group trans to it. Despite their structural similarity, 1(2+) and 2(2+) display markedly different aggregation behaviour in solution. In the absence of significant water, 1(2+) dehydrates and dimerises to give the tetranuclear complex, [Fe(4)(O)(2)(bpp)(4)](ClO(4))(4) (3(ClO(4))(4)), in which the carboxylate groups of the four bpp(-) ligands act as bridging groups between two [Fe(2)(O)(bpp)(2)](2+) units. Under similar conditions, 2(2+) dehydrates and deprotonates to form dinuclear and trinuclear oligomers, [Fe(2)(O)(OH)(bpg)(2)](ClO(4)) (4ClO(4)) and [Fe(3)(O)(2)(OH)(bpg)(3)](ClO(4)) (5(ClO(4))), related by addition of 'Fe(O)(bpg)' units. The trinuclear 5(ClO(4)), characterised crystallographically as two solvates 5(ClO(4)).3H(2)O and 5(ClO(4)).2MeOH, is based on a hexagonal [Fe(3)(O)(2)(OH)(bpg)(3)](+) unit, formally containing one hydroxo and two oxo bridges. The different aggregation behaviour of 1(ClO(4))(2) and 2(ClO(4))(2) results from the difference of one methylene group in the pendant carboxylate arms of the amino acid ligands.     

Tetranuclear iron(III) complexes of an octadentate pyridine-carboxylate ligand and their catalytic activity in alkane oxidation by hydrogen peroxide

Reaction of the octadentate ligand 2,6-bis{3-[N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]propoxy}benzoic acid (LH) with Fe(ClO4)3 leads to the formation of the tetranuclear complexes [Fe4(mu-O)2(LH)2(ClCH2-CO2)4](ClO4)4 (1), [{Fe2(mu-O)L(R-CO2)}2](ClO4)4 (2 R = C6H5-, 3 R = CH3-, 4, R = ClCH2-). The crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 reveal that they consist of two Fe(III)2(mu-O)(mu-RCO2)2 cores that are linked via the two LH/L ligands to give a "dimer of dimers" structure. Complex assumes a helical shape, with protonated carboxylic acid moieties of the two ligands forming a hydrogen-bonded pair at the center of the cation. In complexes 2, 3 and 4, central carboxylates of the two ligands bridge the iron ions in each of the two Fe2O units, with an interdimer iron-iron separation of approximately 10 A and an intradimer separation of approximately 3.1 A. The second carboxylate bridge within the Fe2O units is defined by exogenous benzoate (2), acetate (3) or chloroacetate (4) ligands. The aqua complex [{Fe2(mu-O)L(H2O)2}2](ClO4)6 (5) is proposed to have a similar structure, but with the exogenous bridging carboxylates replaced by two terminal water ligands. These complexes exhibit electronic and M?ssbauer spectral features that are similar to those of (mu-oxo)diiron(III) proteins as well as other related (mu-oxo)bis(mu-carboxylato)diiron(III) complexes. This similarity shows that these properties are not significantly affected by the nature of the bridging exogenous carboxylate, and that the octadentate framework ligand is essential in stabilizing the "dimer of dimers" structure. This structural feature remains in highly diluted solution (10(-5) M) as evidenced by electrospray ionization mass-spectroscopy (ES MS). Cyclic voltammetric studies of complexes 2 and 5 showed two irreversible two-electron reductions, indicating that the two Fe2O units of the tetranuclear complexes behave as distinct redox entities. Complexes 2, 3 and, especially, the aqua complex 5 are active alkane oxidation catalysts. Catalytic reactions carried out with alkane substrate molecules and hydrogen peroxide predominantly gave alcohols. High stereospecificity in the oxidation of cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane supports the metal-based molecular mechanism of O-insertion into C-H bonds postulated for non-heme iron enzymes such as methane monooxygenase.     

Modeling features of the non-heme diiron cores in O2-activating enzymes through the synthesis, characterization, and oxidation of 1,8-naphthyridine-based complexes

Multidentate naphthyridine-based ligands were used to prepare a series of diiron(II) complexes. The compound [Fe(2)(BPMAN)(mu-O(2)CPh)(2)](OTf)(2) (1), where BPMAN = 2,7-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-1,8-naphthyridine, exhibits two reversible oxidation waves with E(1/2) values at +310 and +733 mV vs Cp(2)Fe(+)/Cp(2)Fe, as revealed by cyclic voltammetry. Reaction with O(2) or H(2)O(2) affords a product with optical and M?ssbauer properties that are characteristic of a (mu-oxo)diiron(III) species. The complexes [Fe(2)(BPMAN)(mu-OH)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))](OTf)(2) (2) and [Fe(2)(BPMAN)(mu-OMe)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))](OTf)(2) (3) were synthesized, where Ar(Tol)CO(2)(-) is the sterically hindered ligand 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate. Compound 2 has a reversible redox wave at +11 mV, and both 2 and 3 react with O(2), via a mixed-valent Fe(II)Fe(III) intermediate, to give final products that are also consistent with (mu-oxo)diiron(III) species. The paddle-wheel compound [Fe(2)(BBAN)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)](OTf) (4), where BBAN = 2,7-bis(N,N-dibenzylaminomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridine, reacts with dioxygen to yield benzaldehyde via oxidative N-dealkylation of a benzyl group on BBAN, an internal substrate. In the presence of bis(4-methylbenzyl)amine, the reaction also produces p-tolualdehyde, revealing oxidation of an external substrate. A structurally related compound, [Fe(2)(BEAN)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)](OTf) (5), where BEAN = 2,7-bis(N,N-diethylaminomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridine, does not undergo N-dealkylation, nor does it facilitate the oxidation of bis(4-methylbenzyl)amine. The contrast in reactivity of 4 and 5 is attributed to a difference in accessibility of the substrate to the diiron centers of the two compounds. The M?ssbauer spectroscopic properties of the diiron(II) complexes were also investigated.     

Investigating the stability of the peroxide bridge in (mu-oxo)- and bis(mu-oxo)manganese clusters

The stability of the peroxide ligand bridging two manganese ions in the trinuclear oxomanganese complex [Mn(III)(3)(mu(3)-O)(mu-O(2))(AcO)(2)(dien)(3)](2+), one of only two structurally characterized Mn clusters possessing a mu(1,2)-peroxo bridge, has been investigated using density functional theory. Although the peroxide O-O bond in the related bis(mu-oxo)-bridged complex [Mn(IV)(2)(mu-O)(2)(mu-O(2))(NH(3))(6)](2+) undergoes spontaneous cleavage upon two-electron reduction to the Mn(III)(2) dimer, calculations on the model complexes [Mn(III)(2)(mu-O)(mu-O(2))(NH(3))(8)](2+) and [Mn(III)(2)(mu-O)(mu-O(2))(NH(3))(6)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), which contain the same mu-oxo-,mu-peroxo-bridged core present in the trimer, indicate that the peroxide bridge remains intact, in agreement with experiment. Its stability can be attributed to a Jahn-Teller distortion resulting in elongation of the axial Mn-N bonds perpendicular to the Mn(2)(mu-O)(mu-O(2)) plane which in turn stabilizes the high-spin Mn(III) oxidation state. However, the difference in the energies of the bridged and cleaved peroxide structures is small (ca. 0.5 eV), the lowest energy structure depending on the nature of the terminal ligands. Calculations on the model trimer complex [Mn(III)(3)(mu(3)-O)(mu-O(2))(HCO(2))(2)(NH(3))(9)](2+) indicate that the energetic differences between the cleaved and uncleaved structures is even smaller (ca. 0.2 eV), and although the peroxo-bridge remains more or less intact, it is likely to be quite facile.     

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of (mu-hydroxo or mu-oxo)(mu-peroxo)diiron(III) complexes: models for peroxo intermediates of non-heme diiron proteins

(mu-Hydroxo or oxo)(mu-1,2-peroxo)diiron(III) complexes having a tetradentate tripodal ligand (L) containing a carboxylate sidearm [Fe2(mu-OH or mu-O)(mu-O2)(L)2]n+ were synthesized as models for peroxo-intermediates of non-heme diiron proteins and characterized by various physicochemical measurements including X-ray analysis, which provide fundamental structural and spectroscopic insights into the peroxodiiron(III) complexes.     

Reductive nitrosylation and proton-assisted bridge splitting of a (mu-oxo)dimanganese(III) complex derived from a polypyridine ligand with one carboxamide group

Aerobic oxidation of the Mn(II) complex [Mn(Papy3)(H2O)](ClO4) (1, PaPy3- is the anion of the designed ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamide) in acetonitrile affords the (mu-oxo)dimanganese(III) complex [(Mn(PaPy3))2(mu-O)](ClO4)2 (3) in high yield. The unsupported single oxo bridge between the two high-spin Mn(III) centers in 3 is readily cleaved upon addition of proton sources such as phenol, acetic acid, and benzoic acid, and complexes of the type [Mn(PaPy3)(L)](ClO4) (5, L = PhO-; 6, L = AcO-; 7, L = BzO-) are formed. The basicity of the bridge is evident by the fact that simple addition of methanol to a solution of 3 in acetonitrile affords the methoxide complex [Mn(PaPy3)(OMe)](ClO4) (4). The structures of 3-5 and 7 have been determined. Passage of NO through a solution of 3 in acetonitrile produces the [Mn-NO]6 nitrosyl [Mn(PaPy3)(NO)](ClO4) (2) via reductive nitrosylation. Complexes 4-7 also afford the [Mn-NO]6 nitrosyl 2 upon reaction with NO. In the latter case, the anionic O-based ligands (such as MeO- and PhO-) act as built-in bases and promote reductive nitrosylation of the Mn(III) complexes.     

Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of a (&mgr;-Oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) Complex with a Dinucleating Hexapyridine Ligand, 1,2-Bis[2-(bis(2-pyridyl)methyl)-6-pyridyl]ethane. The First Example of a Discrete (&mgr;-Oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) Complex with a Dinucleating Ligand

A mononucleating tripyridine ligand, 2-(bis(2-pyridyl)methyl)-6-methylpyridine (L(1)), and a dinucleating hexapyridine ligand, 1,2-bis[2-(bis(2-pyridyl)methyl)-6-pyridyl]ethane (L(2)), have been prepared. The reaction of a carbanion of 2,6-lutidine with 2-bromopyridine affords L(1) which is converted to L(2) quantitatively by treating with tert-butyllithium and 1,2-dibromoethane. (&mgr;-Oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) complexes [Fe(2)(O)(OAc)(2)(L(1))(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1) and [Fe(2)(O)(OAc)(2)L(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2) have been synthesized and characterized by means of infrared, UV/vis, mass, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies and by measuring magnetic susceptibility and cyclic voltammograms. All the spectral data are consistent with the (&mgr;-oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) core structure in both 1 and 2. A relatively strong molecular ion peak at m/z 865 corresponding to [{Fe(2)O(OAc)(2)L(2)}(ClO(4))](+) in a FAB mass spectrum of 2 suggests the stabilization of the (&mgr;-oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) core structure by L(2) in a solution state. The compound 2.DMF.2-PrOH.H(2)O, chemical formula C(44)Cl(2)Fe(2)H(51)N(7)O(16), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 22.034(6) ?, b = 12.595(5) ?, c = 20.651(7) ?, beta = 121.49(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The cation has 2-fold symmetry with the bridging oxygen atom on the 2-fold axis: Fe-(&mgr;-O) = 1.782(5) ?, Fe-O-Fe = 123.6(6) degrees, and Fe.Fe = 3.142(3) ?. The diiron(III) core structure of 2 seems to be stabilized by encapsulation of the ligand. Compound 2 is the first example of a discrete (&mgr;-oxo)bis(&mgr;-acetato)diiron(III) complex with a dinucleating ligand.     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of diiron complexes of 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligands to model features of the active sites of non-heme diiron enzymes

A bis(mu-carboxylato)(mu-1,8-naphthyridine)diiron(II) complex, [Fe2(BPMAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)2](OTf)2 (1), was prepared by using the 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligand BPMAN, where BPMAN = 2,7-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-1,8-naphthyridine. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of this complex in CH2Cl2 exhibited two reversible one-electron redox waves at +296 mV (DeltaE(p) = 80 mV) and +781 mV (DeltaE(p) = 74 mV) vs Cp2Fe+/Cp2Fe, corresponding to the FeIIIFeII/FeIIFeII and FeIIIFeIII/FeIIIFeII couples, respectively. This result is unprecedented for diiron complexes having no single atom bridge. Dinuclear complexes [Fe2(BPMAN)(mu-OH)(mu-O2CPhCy)](OTf)2 (2) and [Mn2(BPMAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)2](OTf)2 (3) were also synthesized and structurally characterized. The cyclic voltammogram of 2 in CH2Cl2 exhibited one reversible redox wave at -22 mV only when the potential was kept below +400 mV. The CV of 3 showed irreversible oxidation at potentials above +900 mV. Diiron(II) complexes [Fe2(BEAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)3](OTf) (4) and [Fe2(BBBAN)(mu-OAc)2(OTf)](OTf) (6) were also prepared and characterized, where BEAN = 2,7-bis(N,N-diethylaminomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridine and BBBAN = 2,7-bis[2-[2-(1-methyl)benzimidazolylethyl]-N-benzylaminomethyl]-1,8-naphthyridine. The cyclic voltammograms of these complexes were recorded. The M?ssbauer properties of the diiron compounds were studied.     

Mechanistic studies on oxidation of hydrazine by a mu-oxo diiron(III,III) complex in aqueous acidic media-proton coupled electron transfer

[Fe2(mu-O)(phen)4(H2O)2]4+ (1), one of the simplest mu-oxo diiron(III) complexes, quantitatively oxidises hydrazine to dinitrogen and itself is reduced to two moles of ferroin, [Fe(phen)3]2+ in presence of excess phenanthroline. The weak dibasic acid, 1 (pKa1= 3.71 +/- 0.05 and pKa2= 5.28 +/- 0.10 at 25.0 degrees C, I= 1.0 mol dm(-3)(NaNO3)) and its conjugate bases, [Fe2(mu-O)(phen)4(H2O)(OH)]3+ (2) and [Fe2(mu-O)(phen)4(OH)2]2+ (3) are involved in the redox process with the reactivity order 1 > 2 > 3 whereas N2H4 and not N2H5+ was found to be reactive in the pH interval studied 3.45-5.60. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicate poor oxidizing capacity of the title substitution-labile diiron complex, yet it oxidizes N2H4 with a moderate rate--a proton coupled electron transfer (1e, 1H+) drags the energetically unfavourable reaction to completion. The rate retardation in D2O media is substantially higher at higher pH due to the increasing basicity of the oxo-ligand in the order 3 > 2 > 1. Marcus calculations result an unacceptably high one-electron self-exchange rate for the iron center indicating an inner-sphere nature of the electron-transfer.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of non-heme alkoxide-Fe(III) complexes of a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand as models for lipoxygenase

The treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O or Fe(ClO(4))(3)·9H(2)O with a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (medtb) in alcohol/MeCN gives a mononuclear ferrous complex, [Fe(II)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·?CH(3)CN·?CH(3)OH (1), and four non-heme alkoxide-iron(III) complexes, [Fe(III)(OMe)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (2, alcohol = MeOH), [Fe(III)(OEt)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN (3, alcohol = EtOH), [Fe(III)(O(n)Pr)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·(n)PrOH·2CH(3)CN (4, alcohol = n-PrOH), and [Fe(III)(O(n)Bu)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·3CH(3)CN·H(2)O (5, alcohol = n-BuOH), respectively. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes all show 1) a Fe(III)-OR center (R = Me, 2; Et, 3; (n)Pr, 4; (n)Bu, 5) with the Fe-O bond distances in the range of 1.781-1.816 ?, and 2) a yellow color and an intense electronic transition around 370 nm. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes can be reduced by organic compounds with a cis,cis-1,4-diene moiety via the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction.     

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.     

Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary oxygenation studies of benzyl- and ethyl-substituted pyridine ligands of carboxylate-rich diiron(II) complexes

In this study benzyl and ethyl groups were appended to pyridine and aniline ancillary ligands in diiron(II) complexes of the type [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(R))(2)(O(2)CAr(R))(2)(L)(2)], where (-)O(2)CAr(R) is a sterically hindered terphenyl carboxylate, 2,6-di(p-tolyl)- or 2,6-di(p-fluorophenyl)benzoate (R = Tol or 4-FPh, respectively). These crystallographically characterized compounds were prepared as analogues of the diiron(II) center in the hydroxylase component of soluble methane monooxygenase (MMOH). The use of 2-benzylpyridine (2-Bnpy) yielded doubly bridged [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-Bnpy)(2)] (1) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(2)(O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(2)(2-Bnpy)(2)] (4), whereas tetra-bridged [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)(4-Bnpy)(2)] (3) resulted when 4-benzylpyridine (4-Bnpy) was employed. Similarly, 2-(4-chlorobenzyl)pyridine (2-(4-ClBn)py) and 2-benzylaniline (2-Bnan) were employed as N-donor ligands to prepare [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-(4-ClBn)py)(2)] (2) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-Bnan)(2)] (5). The placement of the substituent on the pyridine ring had no effect on the geometry of the diiron(II) compounds isolated when 2-, 3-, or 4-ethylpyridine (2-, 3-, or 4-Etpy) was introduced as the ancillary nitrogen ligand. The isolated [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-Etpy)] (6), [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(3-Etpy)] (7), [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(4-Etpy)] (8), and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4)(-FPh))(2)(O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(2)(2-Etpy)(2)] (9) complexes all contain doubly bridged metal centers. The oxygenation of compounds 1-9 was studied by GC-MS and NMR analysis of the organic fragments following decomposition of the product complexes. Hydrocarbon fragment oxidation occurred for compounds in which the substrate moiety was in close proximity to the diiron center. The extent of oxidation depended upon the exact makeup of the ligand set.     

Synthetic analogue of the [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)](3+) core of soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase via synthesis and dioxygen reactivity of carboxylate-bridged diiron(II) complexes

We describe the synthesis and dioxygen reactivity of diiron(II) tetracarboxylate complexes [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(N,N-Me(2)en)(2)] (2) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(N,N-Bn(2)en)(2)] (6), where Ar(Tol)CO(2)(-) = 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate. These complexes were prepared as models for the diiron(II) center in the hydroxylase component of soluble methane monooxygenase (MMOH). Compound 6 reacts with dioxygen to afford PhCHO in approximately 60(5)% yield, following oxidative N-dealkylation of the pendant benzyl group on the diamine ligand. The diiron(III) complex [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(N-Bnen)(N,N-Bn(2)en)] (8) was isolated from the reaction mixture. The 4.2 K M?ssbauer spectrum of 8 displays a single quadrupole doublet with parameters delta = 0.48(2) mm s(-1) and Delta E(Q) = 0.61(2) mm s(-1). The [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)](3+) core structure in 8 matches that of the fully oxidized form of MMOH. The conversion of 6 to 8 closely parallels the chemistry of MMOH in which an O(2)-derived oxygen atom is inserted into the C-H bond of methane. Several reaction pathways are considered to account for this novel chemical transformation, and these are compared with mechanistic frameworks previously developed for related cytochrome P450 and copper(I) dioxygen chemistry.     

Water affects the stereochemistry and dioxygen reactivity of carboxylate-rich diiron(II) models for the diiron centers in dioxygen-dependent non-heme enzymes

Carboxylate-bridged high-spin diiron(II) complexes with distinctive electronic transitions were prepared by using 4-cyanopyridine (4-NCC(5)H(4)N) ligands to shift the charge-transfer bands to the visible region of the absorption spectrum. This property facilitated quantitation of water-dependent equilibria in the carboxylate-rich diiron(II) complex, [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)(4-NCC(5)H(4)N)(2)] (1), where (-)O(2)CAr(Tol) is 2,6-di-(p-tolyl)benzoate. Addition of water to 1 reversibly shifts two of the bridging carboxylate ligands to chelating terminal coordination positions, converting the structure from a paddlewheel to a windmill geometry and generating [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(4-NCC(5)H(4)N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (3). This process is temperature dependent in solution, rendering the system thermochromic. Quantitative treatment of the temperature-dependent spectroscopic changes over the temperature range from 188 to 298 K in CH(2)Cl(2) afforded thermodynamic parameters for the interconversion of 1 and 3. Stopped flow kinetic studies revealed that water reacts with the diiron(II) center ca. 1000 time faster than dioxygen and that the water-containing diiron(II) complex reacts with dioxygen ca. 10 times faster than anhydrous analogue 1. Addition of {H(OEt(2))(2)}{B}, where B(-) is tetrakis(3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate, to 1 converts it to [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(4-NCC(5)H(4)N)(2)](B) (5), which was also structurally characterized. Mossbauer spectroscopic investigations of solid samples of 1, 3, and 5, in conjunction with several literature values for high-spin iron(II) complexes in an oxygen-rich coordination environment, establish a correlation between isomer shift, coordination number, and N/O composition. The products of oxygenating 1 in CH(2)Cl(2) were identified crystallographically to be [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(4-NCC(5)H(4)N)(2)].2(HO(2)CAr(Tol)) (6) and [Fe(6)(mu-O)(2)(mu-OH)(4)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(6)(4-NCC(5)H(4)N)(4)Cl(2)] (7).     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of an aqua ligand exchange and oxidatively induced deprotonation in diiron complexes

Reaction of the unsymmetrical phenol ligand 2-((bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino)methyl)-6-(((2-pyridylmethyl)benzylamino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (HL-Bn) or its 2,6-dichlorobenzyl analogue (HL-BnCl(2)) with Fe(H(2)O)(6)(ClO(4))(2) in the presence of disodium m-phenylenedipropionate (Na(2)(mpdp)) followed by exposure to atmosphere affords the diiron(II,III) complexes [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) and [Fe(2)(L-BnCl(2))(mpdp)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(2), respectively. The latter complex has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 13.3095(14) A, b = 20.1073(19) A, c = 19.4997(19) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 94.471(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 5202.6(9) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure of the compound is very similar to that of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) determined earlier, except for the replacement of a water by a methanol on the ferrous site. Magnetic measurements of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) reveal that the two high-spin Fe ions are moderately antiferromagnetically coupled (J = -3.2(2) cm(-)(1)). Upon dissolution in acetonitrile the terminal ligand on the ferrous site is replaced by a solvent molecule. The acetonitrile-water exchange has been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques (UV-visible, NMR, M?ssbauer) and electrochemistry. The substitution of acetonitrile by water is clearly evidenced by M?ssbauer spectroscopy by a reduction of the quadrupole splitting value from 3.14 to 2.41 mm/s. In addition, it causes a 210 mV downshift of the oxidation potential of the ferrous site and a similar reduction of the stability domain of the mixed-valence state. Exhaustive electrolysis of a solution of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](2+) shows that the aqua diferric species is not stable and undergoes a chemical reaction which can be partly reversed by reduction to the mixed-valent state. This and other electrochemical observations suggest that upon oxidation of the diiron center to the diferric state the aqua ligand is deprotonated to a hydroxo. This hypothesis is supported by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Indeed, this species possesses a large quadrupole splitting value (DeltaE(Q) >or= 1.0 mm.s(-)(1)) similar to that of analogous complexes with a terminal phenolate ligand. This study illustrates the drastic effects of aqua ligand exchange and deprotonation on the electronic structure and redox potentials of diiron centers.     

A mechanistic study of the reaction between a diiron(II) complex [FeII(2)(mu-OH)2(6-Me3-TPA)2](2+) and O2 to form a diiron(III) peroxo complex

A kinetic study of the reaction between a diiron(II) complex [Fe(II)(2)(mu-OH)(2)(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) 1, where 6-Me(3)-TPA = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine, and dioxygen is presented. A diiron(III) peroxo complex [Fe(III)(2)(mu-O)(mu-O(2))(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) 2 forms quantitatively in dichloromethane at temperatures from -80 to -40 degrees C. The reaction is first order in [Fe(II)(2)] and [O(2)], with the activation parameters DeltaH(double dagger) = 17 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = -175 +/- 20 J mol(-1) K(-1). The reaction rate is not significantly influenced by the addition of H(2)O or D(2)O. The reaction proceeds faster in more polar solvents (acetone and acetonitrile), but the yield of 2 is not quantitative in these solvents. Complex 1 reacts with NO at a rate about 10(3) faster than with O(2). The mechanistic analysis suggests an associative rate-limiting step for the oxygenation of 1, similar to that for stearoyl-ACP Delta(9)-desaturase, but distinct from the probable dissociative pathway of methane monoxygenase. An eta(1)-superoxo Fe(II)Fe(III) species is a likely steady-state intermediate during the oxygenation of complex 1.     

Dioxygen-initiated oxidation of heteroatomic substrates incorporated into ancillary pyridine ligands of carboxylate-rich diiron(II) complexes

Progress toward the development of functional models of the carboxylate-bridged diiron active site in soluble methane monooxygenase is described in which potential substrates are introduced as substituents on bound pyridine ligands. Pyridine ligands incorporating a thiol, sulfide, sulfoxide, or phosphine moiety were allowed to react with the preassembled diiron(II) complex [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(R))(2)(O(2)CAr(R))(2)(THF)(2)], where (-)O(2)CAr(R) is a sterically hindered 2,6-di(p-tolyl)- or 2,6-di(p-fluorophenyl)benzoate (R = Tol or 4-FPh). The resulting diiron(II) complexes were characterized crystallographically. Triply and doubly bridged compounds [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2-MeSpy)] (4) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-MeS(O)py)(2)] (5) resulted when 2-methylthiopyridine (2-MeSpy) and 2-pyridylmethylsulfoxide (2-MeS(O)py), respectively, were employed. Another triply bridged diiron(II) complex, [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(3)-(O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(2-Ph(2)Ppy)] (3), was obtained containing 2-diphenylphosphinopyridine (2-Ph(2)Ppy). The use of 2-mercaptopyridine (2-HSpy) produced the mononuclear complex [Fe(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(2-HSpy)(2)] (6a). Together with that of previously reported [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2-PhSpy)] (2) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2-Ph(2)Ppy)] (1), the dioxygen reactivity of these iron(II) complexes was investigated. A dioxygen-dependent intermediate (6b) formed upon exposure of 6a to O(2), the electronic structure of which was probed by various spectroscopic methods. Exposure of 4 and 5 to dioxygen revealed both sulfide and sulfoxide oxidation. Oxidation of 3 in CH(2)Cl(2) yields [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4)(-)(FPh))(O(2)CAr(4)(-FPh))(3)(OH(2))(2-Ph(2)P(O)py)] (8), which contains the biologically relevant {Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)}(3+) core. This reaction is sensitive to the choice of carboxylate ligands, however, since the p-tolyl analogue 1 yielded a hexanuclear species, 7, upon oxidation.     

Diruthenium complexes [((acac)2RuIII)2(mu-OC2H5)2], [((acac)(2RuIII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)2, and [((bpy)(2RuII)2(mu-L)](ClO4)4 [L = (NC5H4)2-N-C6H4-N-(NC5H4)2, acac = acetylacetonate, and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine]. synthesis, structure, magnetic, spectral, and photophysical aspects

Paramagnetic diruthenium(III) complexes (acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-OC(2)H(5))(2)Ru(III)(acac)(2) (6) and [(acac)(2)Ru(III)(mu-L)Ru(III)(acac)(2)](ClO(4))(2), [7](ClO(4))(2), were obtained via the reaction of binucleating bridging ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-pyridyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine [(NC(5)H(4))(2)-N-C(6)H(4)-N-(NC(5)H(4))(2), L] with the monomeric metal precursor unit (acac)(2)Ru(II)(CH(3)CN)(2) in ethanol under aerobic conditions. However, the reaction of L with the metal fragment Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(EtOH)(2)(2+) resulted in the corresponding [(bpy)(2)Ru(II) (mu-L) Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4))(4), [8](ClO(4))(4). Crystal structures of L and 6 show that, in each case, the asymmetric unit consists of two independent half-molecules. The Ru-Ru distances in the two crystallographically independent molecules (F and G) of 6 are found to be 2.6448(8) and 2.6515(8) A, respectively. Variable-temperature magnetic studies suggest that the ruthenium(III) centers in 6 and [7](ClO(4))(2) are very weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, having J = -0.45 and -0.63 cm(-)(1), respectively. The g value calculated for 6 by using the van Vleck equation turned out to be only 1.11, whereas for [7](ClO(4))(2), the g value is 2.4, as expected for paramagnetic Ru(III) complexes. The paramagnetic complexes 6 and [7](2+) exhibit rhombic EPR spectra at 77 K in CHCl(3) (g(1) = 2.420, g(2) = 2.192, g(3) = 1.710 for 6 and g(1) = 2.385, g(2) = 2.177, g(3) = 1.753 for [7](2+)). This indicates that 6 must have an intermolecular magnetic interaction, in fact, an antiferromagnetic interaction, along at least one of the crystal axes. This conclusion was supported by ZINDO/1-level calculations. The complexes 6, [7](2+), and [8](4+) display closely spaced Ru(III)/Ru(II) couples with 70, 110, and 80 mV separations in potentials between the successive couples, respectively, implying weak intermetallic electrochemical coupling in their mixed-valent states. The electrochemical stability of the Ru(II) state follows the order: [7](2+) < 6 < [8](4+). The bipyridine derivative [8](4+) exhibits a strong luminescence [quantum yield (phi) = 0.18] at 600 nm in EtOH/MeOH (4:1) glass (at 77 K), with an estimated excited-state lifetime of approximately 10 micros.     

Modeling dioxygen-activating centers in non-heme diiron enzymes: carboxylate shifts in diiron(II) complexes supported by sterically hindered carboxylate ligands

General synthetic routes are described for a series of diiron(II) complexes supported by sterically demanding carboxylate ligands 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate (Ar(Tol)CO(2)(-)) and 2,6-di(4-fluorophenyl)benzoate (Ar(4-FPh)CO(2)(-)). The interlocking nature of the m-terphenyl units in self-assembled [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (L = C(5)H(5)N (4); 1-MeIm (5)) promotes the formation of coordination geometries analogous to those of the non-heme diiron cores in the enzymes RNR-R2 and Delta 9D. Magnetic susceptibility and M?ssbauer studies of 4 and 5 revealed properties consistent with weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the high-spin iron(II) centers. Structural studies of several derivatives obtained by ligand substitution reactions demonstrated that the [Fe(2)(O(2)CAr')(4)L(2)] (Ar' = Ar(Tol); Ar(4-FPh)) module is geometrically flexible. Details of ligand migration within the tetracarboxylate diiron core, facilitated by carboxylate shifts, were probed by solution variable-temperature (19)F NMR spectroscopic studies of [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4-FPh))(2)-(O(2)CAr(4-FPh))(2)(THF)(2)] (8) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(4-FPh))(4)(4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N)(2)] (12). Dynamic motion in the primary coordination sphere controls the positioning of open sites and regulates the access of exogenous ligands, processes that also occur in non-heme diiron enzymes during catalysis.