Redox reactivity and reorganization energy of zinc cytochrome c cation radical

Little is known about transient intermediates in photoinduced electron-transfer reactions of metalloproteins. Oxidative quenching of the triplet state of zinc cytochrome c, 3Zncyt, is done at 20 degrees C, pH 7.00, and ionic strength of 1.00 M, conditions that suppress the thermal back-reaction and prolong the lifetime of the cation radical, Zncyt+. This species is reduced by [Fe(CN)6]4-, [W(CN)8]4-, [Os(CN)6]4-, [Mo(CN)8]4-, and [Ru(CN)6]4- complexes of similar structures and the same charge. The rate constants and thermodynamic driving forces for these five similar electron-transfer reactions were fitted to Marcus theory. The reorganization energy of Zncyt+ is lambda = 0.38(5) eV, lower than that of native cytochrome c, because the redox orbital of the porphyrin cation radical is delocalized and possibly because Met80 is not an axial ligand to the zinc(II) ion in the reconstituted cytochrome c. The rate constant for electron self-exchange between Zncyt+ and Zncyt, k11 = 1.0(5) x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1), is large owing to the extended electron delocalization and relatively low reorganization energy. These results may be relevant to zinc(II) derivatives of other heme proteins, which are often used in studies of photoinduced electron-transfer reactions.     

Measurement of the dependence of interfacial charge-transfer rate constants on the reorganization energy of redox species at n-ZnO/H2O interfaces

The interfacial energetic and kinetics behavior of n-ZnO/H2O contacts have been determined for a series of compounds, cobalt trisbipyridine (Co(bpy)3(3+/2+)), ruthenium pentaamine pyridine (Ru(NH3)5 py(3+/2+)), cobalt bis-1,4,7-trithiacyclononane (Co(TTCN)2(3+/2+)), and osmium bis-dimethyl bipyridine bis-imidazole (Os(Me2bpy)2(Im)2(3+/2+)), which have similar formal reduction potentials yet which have reorganization energies that span approximately 1 eV. Differential capacitance vs potential and current density vs potential measurements were used to measure the interfacial electron-transfer rate constants for this series of one-electron outer-sphere redox couples. Each interface displayed a first-order dependence on the concentration of redox acceptor species and a first-order dependence on the concentration of electrons in the conduction band at the semiconductor surface, in accord with expectations for the ideal model of a semiconductor/liquid contact. Rate constants varied from 1 x 10(-19) to 6 x 10(-17) cm4 s(-1). The interfacial electron-transfer rate constant decreased as the reorganization energy, lambda, of the acceptor species increased, and a plot of the logarithm of the electron-transfer rate constant vs (lambda + deltaG(o)')(2)/4lambda k(B)T (where deltaG(o)' is the driving force for interfacial charge transfer) was linear with a slope of approximately -1. The rate constant at optimal exoergicity was found to be approximately 5 x 10(-17) cm4 s(-1) for this system. These results show that interfacial electron-transfer rate constants at semiconductor electrodes are in good agreement with the predictions of a Marcus-type model of interfacial electron-transfer reactions.     

Light induced manganese oxidation and long-lived charge separation in a Mn2II,II-RuII(bpy)3-acceptor triad

The photoinduced electron-transfer reactions in a Mn2II,II-RuII-NDI triad (1) ([Mn2(bpmp)(OAc)2]+, bpmp = 2,6-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methylphenolate and OAc = acetate, RuII = tris-bipyridine ruthenium(II), and NDI = naphthalenediimide) have been studied by time-resolved optical and EPR spectroscopy. Complex 1 is the first synthetically linked electron donor-sensitizer-acceptor triad in which a manganese complex plays the role of the donor. EPR spectroscopy was used to directly demonstrate the light induced formation of both products: the oxidized manganese dimer complex (Mn2II,III) and the reduced naphthalenediimide (NDI*-) acceptor moieties, while optical spectroscopy was used to follow the kinetic evolution of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ intermediate states and the NDI*- radical in a wide temperature range. The average lifetime of the NDI*- radical is ca. 600 micros at room temperature, which is at least 2 orders of magnitude longer than that for previously reported triads based on a [Ru(bpy)3]2+ photosensitizer. At 140 K, this intramolecular recombination was dramatically slowed, displaying a lifetime of 0.1-1 s, which is comparable to many of the naturally occurring charge-separated states in photosynthetic reaction centra. It was found that the long recombination lifetime could be explained by an unusually large reorganization energy (lambda approximately 2.0 eV), due to a large inner reorganization of the manganese complex. This makes the recombination reaction strongly activated despite the large driving force (Delta-G degrees = 1.07 eV). Thus, the intrinsic properties of the manganese complex are favorable for creating a long-lived charge separation in the "Marcus normal region" also when the charge separated state energy is high.     

Ruthenium bisbipyridine complexes of horse heart cytochrome c: characterization and comparative intramolecular electron-transfer rates determined by pulse radiolysis and flash photolysis

The reaction of [Ru(bpy)2L(H2O)]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, L = imidazole, water) with reduced horse heart cytochrome c results in coordination of [RuII(bpy)2L] at the His 33 and His 26 sites. Coordination at the His 33 site gave a diastereomeric [RuII(bpy)2L]-His-cyt c(II) mixture favoring the lambda-Ru form regardless of the substituent on the bipyridine ligands, while substitution at the more buried His 26 site gave an isomeric distribution that varies according to the substituent on the bipyridine ligands. The diastereomeric aquoproteins (L = H2O) are distinguished by their redox potentials and their conversion to the corresponding fluorescent imidazole proteins. Intramolecular electron transfer between the reduced ruthenium bipyridine and cyt c(III) in [RuII(bpy.)(bpy)L]-His33-cyt c(III) was determined by reductive pulse radiolysis using the aqueous electron as a reducing agent, kret = (2.0 +/- 0.3) x 10(5) s-1, and kret is independent of the sixth ligand L = H2O, imidazole. In addition, the rate constant for intramolecular electron transfer from cyt c(II) to the ruthenium(III) center in [RuIII(bpy)2L]-His33-cyt c(II) was determined by oxidative pulse radiolysis using azide and carbonate radicals. This rate is very sensitive to the nature of the sixth ligand. When L = H2O, the intramolecular electron-transfer rate for the major diastereomer lambda-cis-[RuIII (bpy)2(H2O)]-His33-cyt c(II) is k = 1.1 x 10(4) s-1 and is independent of pH between 5.6 and 8.3. The minor delta-cis-[RuIII(bpy)2(H2O)]-His33-cyt c(II) isomer has pH-dependent electrochemistry and a lower rate of intramolecular electron transfer. Complete conversion from L = H2O to L = imidazole is slow, requiring more than 7 days in 1 M imidazole. A lower limit (k > 2 x 10(6) s-1) for the intramolecular electron-transfer rate constant in [RuIII(bpy)2(L)]-His33-cyt c(II), L = imidazole, could be obtained by pulse radiolysis in the absence of the slower reacting aquo species. This observation is in agreement with the value of 3 x 10(6) s-1 measured by flash photolysis. Earlier pulse radiolysis experiments primarily measured the aquoligated ruthenium protein, while the flash photolysis experiments measured the imidazole-ligated fraction because it is the only species oxidatively quenched in the photoinduced reactions. Intramolecular electron-transfer reactions for a new series of ruthenium bipyridine complexes, [Ru(dabpy)2L]-His33-cyt c proteins (dabpy = 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-bipyridine) (L = imidazole, pyridine, isonicotinamide and pyrazine), proceed with lower driving force, resulting in slower rate constants amenable to measurement by oxidative pulse radiolysis. The electron-transfer rate constants for this series spanned a wide range of the Marcus log k vs delta G plot.     

Synthesis and characterization of tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-modified mono-, di-, and trinuclear manganese complexes as electron-transfer models for photosystem II

With the aim of modeling the arrangement of redox-active and photoactive components along the electron-transfer pathway of photosystem II, tetra- to nonanuclear transition metal complexes have been synthesized, comprising one, two, or three manganese ions, oxidizable phenolates, and tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-type units as photosensitizers. These model complexes are considered to be mononuclear ([LnMn](PF6)m), dinuclear ([L1aMnIV2(mu-O)2](PF6)6), or trinuclear ([LnMnIIMnIIMnIILn](PF6)12) with respect to the number of manganese centers present. Electronic coupling between the manganese ions is strongly antiferromagnetic in the case of the di(mu-oxo)-dimanganese compound [L1aMnIV2(mu-O)2](PF6)6, where the "ligand" [H2L1a]4+ consists of two tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-type units covalentely bound to a bismacrocyclic Me2dtne backbone to which the manganese ions are coordinated via an additional phenolate oxygen (Me2dtne = 1,2-bis(4-methyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononyl)ethane). Weak antiferromagnetic coupling is observed in compounds [LnMnIIMnIIMnIILn](PF6)12, where the three metals are in a linear arrangement (face-sharing octahedral). They are bridged by three phenolate oxygens of each of the deprotonated "ligands" [H3Ln]6+, respectively. Each ligand [H3Ln]6+ (n = 1, 2) consists of a tacn ring with three pendent arm phenols which are each bound to a tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-type unit (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane). In these compounds several electron-transfer steps were detected by electrochemical methods which are assigned to different redox processes located at individual electrochemically active components (Mn, Ru, bipyridyl, phenolate). For example, in the "mononuclear" compounds [LnMn](PF6)m (n = 1 or 2) Mn(II), Mn(III), and Mn(IV) are accessible and three Ru(II) centers are reversibly oxidized to Ru(III), and in addition, the coordinated phenolate can be oxidized to a highly reactive, coordinated phenoxyl radical. In several cases very slow heterogeneous electron-transfer rates were observed for redox processes involving the manganese centers.     

Photosensitized generation of singlet oxygen from ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) bipyridyl complexes

Photophysical properties for a number ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) bipyridyl complexes are reported in dilute acetonitrile solution. The lifetimes of the excited metal to ligand charge transfer states (MLCT) of the osmium complexes are shorter than for the ruthenium complexes. Rate constants, kq, for quenching of the lowest excited metal to ligand charge transfer states by molecular oxygen are found to be in the range (1.1-7.7) x 10(9) dm3 mol(-1) s(-1). Efficiencies of singlet oxygen production, fDeltaT, following oxygen quenching of the lowest excited states of these ruthenium and osmium complexes are in the range of 0.10-0.72, lower values being associated with those compounds having lower oxidation potentials. The rate constants for quenching of the excited MLCT states, kq, are found to be generally higher for osmium complexes than for ruthenium complexes. Overall quenching rate constants, kq were found to give an inverse correlation with the energy of the excited state being quenched, and also to correlate with the oxidation potentials of the complexes. However, when the contribution of quenching due exclusively to energy transfer to produce singlet oxygen, kq1, is considered, its dependence on the energy of the excited states is more complex. Rate constants for quenching due to energy dissipation of the excited MLCT states without energy transfer, kq3, were found to show a clear correlation with the oxidation potential of the complexes. Factors affecting both the mechanism of oxygen quenching of the excited states and the efficiency of singlet oxygen generation following this quenching are discussed. These factors include the oxidation potential, the energy of the lowest excited state of the complexes and spin-orbit coupling constant of the central metal.     

Solvent dependence of intramolecular electron transfer in a helical oligoproline assembly

The helical oligoproline assembly CH3-CO-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pra(Ptzpn)-Pro-Pro-Pra(RuIIb2m2+ -Pro-Pro-Pra(Anq)-Pro-Pro-Pro-NH2, having a spatially ordered array of functional sites protruding from the proline backbone, has been prepared. The 13-residue assembly formed a linear array containing a phenothiazine electron donor, a tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chromophore, and an anthraquinone electron acceptor with the proline II secondary structure as shown by circular dichroism measurements. Following RuII --> b2m metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excitation at 457 nm, electron-transfer quenching occurs, ultimately to give a redox-separated (RS) state containing a phenothiazine (PTZ) radical cation at the Pra(Ptzpn) site and an anthraquinone (ANQ) radical anion at the Pra(Anq) site. The redox-separated state was formed with 33-96% efficiency depending on the solvent, and the transient stored energy varied from -1.46 to -1.71 eV at 22 +/- 2 degrees C. The dominant quenching mechanism is PTZ reductive quenching of the initial RuIII(b2m*-) MLCT excited state which is followed by m*- --> ANQ electron transfer to give the RS state. Back electron transfer is highly exergonic and occurs in the inverted region. The rate constant for back electron transfer is solvent dependent and varies from 5.2 x 10(6) to 7.7 x 10(6) s-1 at 22 +/- 2 degrees C. It is concluded that back electron transfer occurs by direct ANQ*- --> PTZ*+ electron transfer. Based on independently evaluated kinetic parameters, the electron-transfer matrix element is HDA approximately 0.13 cm-1.     

Redox state switching of transition metals by deprotonation of the tridentate ligand 2,6-bis(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine

The chemistry of the ligand 1, 2,6-bis(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine with manganese, cobalt, nickel and ruthenium has been investigated. The ligand binds as a meridional tridentate ligand as shown by the crystal structures of [Mn(1)2](CF3SO3)2 x Et2O and [Ru(1)2](PF6)2 x 2CH3CN x H2O. The coordinated ligand is deprotonated in mildly basic solution, and this leads to a drop in the metal M(III)/M(II) reduction potential for cobalt and ruthenium of roughly 1.3 V. The crystal structure of Na2(PPN)[Co(1 - 2H)2]2(OH) x MeOH x 2H2O confirms the deprotonation and shows sodium to bind to the deprotonated nitrogen atoms. No stabilisation of the M(III) oxidation state was observed for nickel and manganese.     

Comparison of the self-exchange and interfacial charge-transfer rate constants for methyl- versus tert-butyl-substituted Os(III) polypyridyl complexes

Differences in the self-exchange and interfacial electron-transfer rate constants have been evaluated for a relatively unhindered Os(III/II) redox system, osmium(III/II) tris(4,4'-di-methyl-2,2'-bipyridyl), [Os(Me2bpy)3]3+/2+, relative to those of a relatively hindered system, osmium(III/II) tris(4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl), [Os(t-Bu2bpy)3]3+/2+. In contrast to the predicted increase in rate constant by a factor of 2-3 due to the difference in reorganization energy of the two complexes, introduction of the tert-butyl functionality decreased the self-exchange rate constant, as measured by NMR line-broadening techniques, by a factor of approximately 50 as compared to that of the analogous methyl-substituted osmium complex. Steady-state current density versus potential measurements, in conjunction with differential capacitance versus potential measurements, were used to compare the interfacial electron-transfer rate constants at n-type ZnO electrodes of [Os(t-Bu2bpy)3]3+/2+ and [Os(Me2bpy)3]3+/2+. The interfacial electron-transfer rate constant for the reduction of [Os(t-Bu2bpy)3]3+ was 100 times smaller than that for [Os(Me2bpy)3]3+. The results indicate that the tert-butyl group can act as a spacer on an outer-sphere redox couple and significantly decrease the electronic coupling of the electron-transfer reaction in both self-exchange and interfacial electron-transfer processes.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of manganese(III,IV) and ruthenium(III) complexes derived from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydebenzoylhydrazone

Reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydebenzoylhydrazone(napbhH₂) with manganese(II) acetate tetrahydrate and manganese(III) acetate dihydrate in methanol followed by addition of methanolic KOH in molar ratio (2 : 1 : 10) results in [Mn(IV)(napbh)₂] and [Mn(III)(napbh)(OH)(H₂O)], respectively. Activated ruthenium(III) chloride reacts with napbhH₂ in methanolic medium yielding [Ru(III)(napbhH)Cl(H₂O)]Cl. Replacement of aquo ligand by heterocyclic nitrogen donor in this complex has been observed when the reaction is carried out in presence of pyridine(py), 3-picoline(3-pic) or 4-picoline(4-pic). The molar conductance values in DMF (N,N-dimethyl formamide) of these complexes suggest non-electrolytic and 1 : 1 electrolytic nature for manganese and ruthenium complexes, respectively. Magnetic moment values of manganese complexes suggest Mn(III) and Mn(IV), however, ruthenium complexes are paramagnetic with one unpaired electron suggesting Ru(III). Electronic spectral studies suggest six coordinate metal ions in these complexes. IR spectra reveal that napbhH₂ coordinates in enol-form and keto-form to manganese and ruthenium metal ions in its complexes, respectively. ESR studies of the complexes are also reported.     

Synthesis and photophysics of one mononuclear Mn(III) and one dinuclear Mn(III,III) complex covalently linked to a ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridyl) complex

The preparation of donor (D)-photosensitizer (S) arrays, consisting of a manganese complex as D and a ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex as S has been pursued. Two new ruthenium complexes containing coordinating sites for one (2a) and two manganese ions (3a) were prepared in order to provide models for the donor side of photosystem II in green plants. The manganese coordinating site consists of bridging and terminal phenolate as well as terminal pyridyl ligands. The corresponding ruthenium-manganese complexes, a manganese monomer 2b and dimer 3b, were obtained. For the dimer 3b, our data suggest that intramolecular electron transfer from manganese to photogenerated ruthenium(III) is fast, k(ET) > 5 x 10(7) s(-)(1).     

Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes of N′-[(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene]thiophene-2-carbohydrazide

A hydrazone ligand (HL) containing the thiophene moiety has been prepared via condensation of thiophene-2-carbohydrazide with 1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde. The complexes of copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II), manganese(II), zinc(II), palladium(II), iron(III), ruthenium(III), uranyl(VI), and titanium(IV) with the ligand were prepared in good yield from the reaction of the ligand with the corresponding metal salts. The ligand and complexes were characterized using infrared, mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, electronic absorption spectra, electron spin resonance, and magnetic moment measurements as well as elemental and thermal analyses. The results showed that the complexes are enolic by nature, whilst the ratio between the metal ion and the ligand depends on the acidity of the metallic ions and their oxidation numbers.     

Synthesis and characterization of a hydrazone ligand containing antipyrine and its transition metal complexes

The coordination chemistry of N′-((1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide with copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II), manganese(II), zinc(II), palladium(II), iron(III), ruthenium(III), uranyl(VI), and titanium(IV) has been studied. The ligand and its complexes was characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, magnetic moments and conductivity measurements as well as spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance and electronic absorption spectra. The spectral data showed that the ligand is monobasic tridentate coordinated via the enolic carbonyl oxygen of the hydrazide moiety, azomethine nitrogen and pyrazolone oxygen atoms.     

Remarkable spectator ligand effect on the rate constant of ligand substitution of (aqua)ruthenium(II) complexes

The influence of two different di(1-pyrazolyl)alkane ligands on the rate constant of aqua ligand substitution of ruthenium(II) complexes with the formula [Ru(H2O)(L2)(tpmm)]2+ (L2 = di(1-pyrazolyl)methane (DPMet) or 2,2-di(1-pyrazolyl)propane (DPPro)) was investigated. A 9.4 x 10(5)-fold increase in the rate constant of ligand substitution at pH = 6.86 was observed when DPMet was replaced with DPPro. This remarkable increase was unexpected, considering that these bidentate ligands appear quite similar. To help lend insight into this dramatic spectator ligand effect, the activation parameters for the ligand substitution reactions were determined, and single-crystal X-ray data were collected on the structurally analogous (chloro)ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(Cl)(L2)(tpmm)]+. These results are discussed in the context of a heteroscorpionate effect exerted by the DPPro ligand.     

Measurement of the free-energy dependence of interfacial charge-transfer rate constants using ZnO/H2O semiconductor/liquid contacts

The dependence of electron-transfer rate constants on the driving force for interfacial charge transfer has been investigated using n-type ZnO electrodes in aqueous solutions. Differential capacitance versus potential and current density versus potential measurements were used to determine the energetics and kinetics, respectively, of the interfacial electron-transfer processes. A series of nonadsorbing, one-electron, outer-sphere redox couples with formal reduction potentials that spanned approximately 900 mV allowed evaluation of both the normal and Marcus inverted regions of interfacial electron-transfer processes. All rate processes were observed to be kinetically first-order in the concentration of surface electrons and first-order in the concentration of dissolved redox acceptors. The band-edge positions of the ZnO were essentially independent of the Nernstian potential of the solution over the range 0.106-1.001 V vs SCE. The rate constant at optimal exoergicity was observed to be approximately 10(-)(16) cm(4) s(-)(1). The rate constant versus driving force dependence at n-type ZnO electrodes exhibited both normal and inverted regions, and the data were well-fit by a parabola generated using classical Marcus theory with a reorganization energy of 0.67 eV. NMR line broadening measurements of the self-exchange rate constants indicated that the redox couples had reorganization energies of 0.64-0.69 eV. The agreement between the reorganization energy of the ions in solution and the reorganization energy for the interfacial electron-transfer processes indicated that the reorganization energy was dominated by the redox species in the electrolyte, as expected from an application of Marcus theory to semiconductor electrodes.     

Metal complexes of isonicotinic acid hydrazide

Complexes of platinum(IV), ruthenium(III), rhodium(III), iridium(III), gold(III), dioxouranium(II), zinc(II), cadmium(II), mercury(II) and manganese(II) with isonicotinic acid hydrazide were prepared and characterized on the basis of analytical, conductometric, magnetic susceptibility and spectral data. Platinum(IV) ruthenium(III), rhodium(III), iridium(III), dioxouranium(II) and manganese(II) form six-coordinate complexes while gold(III), zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II) form four coordinate complexes.     

Hydroxide ion versus chloride and methoxide as an exogenous ligand reveals the influence of hydrogen bonding with second-sphere coordination water molecules in the electron transfer kinetics of Mn complexes

We recently reported on the synthesis of a new pentadentate N(4)O ligand, tBuL(-), together with the X-ray diffraction structure of the corresponding mononuclear manganese(III)-hydroxo complex namely [(tBuL)Mn(III)OH](ClO(4)), (1 (ClO(4))). [El Ghachtouli et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2011, 4, 2041.] In the present work, we evidence through electrochemical analysis that complex 1(+), in the presence of water, shows a peculiar behavior toward electron-transfer kinetics. The synthesis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and EPR spectroscopic characterization of two other mononuclear manganese(III)-chlorido and methoxo complexes-namely, [(tBuL)Mn(III)Cl](PF(6)), (2(PF(6))) and [(tBuL)Mn(III)OMe](ClO(4)), (3(ClO(4)))-are also reported. 2(PF(6)) and 3(ClO(4)) compounds will serve as reference complexes for the electron-transfer kinetics investigation. The peculiar behavior of 1(ClO(4)) is attributed to the specificity of hydroxide anion as ligand presumably allowing intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions and thus affecting electron-transfer properties.     

Reaction of hydroquinone with hematite; II. Calculated electron-transfer rates and comparison to the reductive dissolution rate

The rate of reaction of hematite with quinones and the quinone moieties of larger molecules may be an important factor in limiting the rate of reductive dissolution of hematite, especially by iron-reducing bacteria. It is possible that the rate of reductive dissolution of hematite in the presence of excess hydroquinone at pH 2.5 may be limited by the electron-transfer rate. Here, a reductive dissolution rate was measured and compared to electron-transfer rates calculated using Marcus theory. An experimental rate constant was measured at 9.5 x 10 (-6) s(-1) and the reaction order with respect to the hematite concentration was found to be 1.1. Both the dissolution rate and the reaction order of hematite concentration compare well with previous measurements. Of the Marcus theory calculations, the inner-sphere part of the reorganization energy and the electronic coupling matrix element for hydroquinone self-exchange electron transfer are calculated using ab initio methods. The second order self-exchange rate constant was calculated to be 1.3 x 10 (7) M(-1)s(-1), which compares well with experimental measurements. Using previously published data calculated for hexaquairon(III)/(II), the calculated electron-transfer rate for the cross reaction with hydroquinone also compares well to experimental measurements. A hypothetical reductive dissolution rate is calculated using the first-order electron-transfer rate constant and the concentration of total adsorbed quinone. Three different models of the hematite surface are used as well as multiple estimates for the reduction potential, the surface charge, and the adsorption density of hydroquinone. No calculated dissolution rate is less than five orders of magnitude faster than the experimentally measured one.     

Reversible luminescence switching in a ruthenium(II) bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyridine)-benzoquinone dyad

An electroactive luminescent switch has been synthesized that comprises a hydroquinone-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligand coordinated to a ruthenium(II) (4'-phenylethynyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) fragment. The assembly is sufficiently rigid that the hydroquinone-chromophore distance is fixed. Excitation of the complex via the characteristic metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption band produces an excited triplet state in which the promoted electron is localized on the terpyridine ligand bearing the acetylenic group. The triplet lifetime in butyronitrile solution at room temperature is 46 +/- 3 ns but increases markedly at lower temperature. Oxidation of the hydroquinone to the corresponding benzoquinone switches on an electron-transfer process whereby the MLCT triplet donates an electron to the quinone. This reaction reduces the triplet lifetime to 190 +/- 12 ps and essentially extinguishes emission. The rate of electron transfer depends on temperature in line with classical Marcus theory, allowing calculation of the electronic coupling matrix element and the reorganization energy as being 22 cm(-1) and 0.84 eV, respectively. The switching behavior can be monitored using luminescence spectroelectrochemistry. The on/off level is set by temperature and increases as the temperature is lowered.     

Automated synthesis of 3'-metalated oligonucleotides

We report the first synthesis of a metallonucleoside bound to a solid support and subsequent oligonucleotide synthesis with this precursor. Large-scale syntheses of metal-containing oligonucleotides are achieved using a solid support modified with [Ru(bpy)(2)(impy')](2+) (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine; impy' is 2'-iminomethylpyridyl-2'-deoxyuridine). A duplex formed with the metal-containing oligonucleotide exhibits superior thermal stability when compared to the corresponding unmetalated duplex (T(m) = 50 degrees C vs T(m) = 48 degrees C). Electrochemical (E(1/2) = 1.3 V vs NHE), absorption (lambda(max) = 480 nm), and emission (lambda(max) = 720 nm, tau = 44 ns, Phi = 0.11 x 10(-)(3)) data for the ruthenium-modified oligonucleotides indicate that the presence of the oligonucleotide does not perturb the electronic properties of the ruthenium complex. The absence of any change in the emission properties upon duplex formation suggests that the [Ru(bpy)(2)(impy)](2+) chromophore will be a valuable probe for DNA-mediated electron-transfer studies. Despite the relatively high Ru(III/II) reduction potential, oxidative quenching of photoexcited [Ru(bpy)(2)(impy)](2+) does not lead to oxidative damage of guanine or other DNA bases.