Insights into the metathesis reaction involving M-M,C-C,and M-C triple bonds from computations employing density functional theory on model compounds M2(OH)6 and M2(SH)6, where M = Mo and W

Calculations employing density functional theory (Gaussian 98, B3LYP, LANL2DZ, 6-31G) have been undertaken to interrogate the factors influencing the metathesis reaction involving M-M, C-C, and M-C triple bonds for the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)), and [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), where M = Mo, W and E = O, S. Whereas in all cases the ethyne adducts are predicted to be enthalpically favored in the reactions between M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and ethyne, only when M = W and E = O is the alkylidyne product [(HO)(3)W(tbd1;CH)](2) predicted to be more stable than the alkyne adduct. For the reaction M(2)(EH)(6)(mu-C(2)H(2)) --> [(HE)(3)M(tbd1;CH)](2), the deltaG degrees values (kcal mol(-)(1)) are -6 (M = W, E = O), +5 (M = Mo, E = O), +18 (M = W, E = S), and +21 (M = Mo, E = S) and the free energies of activation are calculated to be deltaG() = +19 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = W, E = O) and +34 kcal mol(-)(1) (M = Mo, E = O), where the transition state involves an asymmetric bridged structure M(2)(OH)(4)(mu-OH)(2)(CH)(mu-CH) in which the C-C bond has broken; C.C = 1.89 and 1.98 A for W and Mo, respectively. These results are discussed in terms of the experimental observations of the reactions involving ethyne and the symmetrically substituted alkynes (RCCR, where R = Me, Et) with M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(6) and M(2)(O(t)()Bu)(2)(S(t)()Bu)(4) compounds, where M = Mo, W.     

Theoretical study of O--O single bond formation in the oxidation of water by the ruthenium blue dimer

The first key step in the oxidation of water to O(2) by the oxidized species [(bpy)(2)(O)Ru(V)ORu(V)(O)(bpy)(2)](4+) of the Ru blue dimer is studied using density functional theory (DFT) and an explicit solvent treatment. In the model reaction system [L(2)(O)Ru(V)ORu(V)(O)L(2)](4+)·(H(2)O)(4)·W(76), the surrounding water solvent molecules W are described classically while the inner core reaction system is described quantum mechanically using smaller model ligands (L). The reaction path found for the O--O single bond formation involves a proton relay chain: direct participation of two water molecules in two proton transfers to yield the product [L(2)(HOO)Ru(IV)ORu(IV)(OH)L(2)](4+)·(H(2)O)(3)·W(76). The calculated ～3 kcal/mol reaction free energy and ～15 kcal/mol activation free energy barrier at 298 K are consistent with experiment. Structural changes and charge flow along the intrinsic reaction coordinate, the solvent's role in the reaction barrier, and their significance for water oxidation catalysis are examined in detail.     

Basic ancillary ligands promote O-O bond formation in iridium-catalyzed water oxidation: a DFT study

The cationic iridium complex [Ir(OH(2))(2)(phpy)(2)](+) (phpy = o-phenylpyridine) is among the most efficient mononuclear catalysts for water oxidation. The postulated active species is the oxo complex [Ir(O)(X)(phpy)(2)](n), with X = OH(2) (n = +1), OH(-) (n = 0) or O(2-) (n = -1), depending on the pH. The reactivity of these species has been studied computationally at the DFT(B3LYP) level. The three [Ir(O)(X)(phpy)(2)](n) complexes have an electrophilic Ir(v)-oxo moiety, which yields an O-O bond by undergoing a nucleophilic attack of water in the critical step of the mechanism. In this step, water transfers one proton to either the Ir(V)-oxo moiety or the ancillary X ligand. Five different reaction pathways associated with this acid/base mechanism have been characterized. The calculations show that the proton is preferably accepted by the X ligand, which plays a key role in the reaction. The higher the basicity of X, the lower the energy barrier associated with O-O bond formation. The anionic species, [Ir(O)(2)(phpy)(2)](-), which has the less electrophilic Ir(V)-oxo moiety but the most basic X ligand, promotes O-O bond formation through the lowest energy barrier, 14.5 kcal mol(-1). The other two active species, [Ir(O)(OH)(phpy)(2)] and [Ir(O)(OH(2))(phpy)(2)](+), which have more electrophilic Ir(V)-oxo moieties but less basic X ligands, involve higher energy barriers, 20.2 kcal mol(-1) and 25.9 kcal mol(-1), respectively. These results are in good agreement with experiments showing important pH effects in similar catalytic systems. The theoretical insight given by the present study can be useful in the design of more efficient water oxidation catalysts. The catalytic activity may increase by using ligand scaffolds bearing internal bases.     

O-Atom Exchange between H(2)O and CO(2) Mediated by a Bis(dithiolene)tungsten Complex

Inspired by the CO(2)-reductatse activity of tungsten-dependent formate dehydrogenases (W-FDHs), a reduced W-FDH model, [W(IV)(OH)(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](-), was prepared in situ through hydrolysis of [W(IV)(OPh)(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](-) (1) and its reactivity with CO(2) was investigated. The reaction between [W(IV)(OH)(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](-) and CO(2) at room temperature leads to the formation of [W(IV)(O)(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](2-) (2), which slowly oxidizes to [W(V)(O)(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(2)](-) (3). Isotopic labeling experiments reveal that the O atom in CO(2) incorporates into 3. This implies that there is carbonic anhydrase like activity, in which carbonation and decarboxylation are mediated by a bis(dithiolene)tungsten complex.     

Hydrogen-atom transfer in open-shell organometallic chemistry: the reactivity of Rh(II)(cod) and Ir(II)(cod) radicals

A series of new metalloradical rhodium and iridium complexes [M(II)(cod)(N-ligand)](2+) in the uncommon oxidation state +II were synthesized by one-electron oxidation of their [M(I)(cod)(N-ligand)](+) precursors (M=Rh, Ir; cod=(Z,Z)-1,5-cyclooctadiene; and N-ligand is a podal bis(pyridyl)amine ligand: N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (dpa), N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (pla), or N-benzyl-N,N-bis(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (Bn-dla). EPR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and DFT calculations reveal that each of these [M(II)(cod)(N-ligand)](2+) species adopts a square-pyramidal geometry with the two cod double bonds and the two pyridine fragments in the basal plane and the N(amine) donor at the apical position. The unpaired electron of these species mainly resides at the metal center, but the apical N(amine) donor also carries a considerable fraction of the total spin density (15-18 %). Density functional calculations proved a valuable tool for the analysis and simulation of the experimental EPR spectra. Whereas the M(II)(olefin) complexes are quite stable as solids, in solution they spontaneously transform into a 1:1 mixture of M(III)(allyl) species and protonated M(I)(olefin) complexes (in the forms [M(I)(olefin)(protonated N-ligand)](2+) for M=Rh and [M(III)(H)(olefin)(N-ligand)](2+) for M=Ir). Similar reactions were observed for the related propene complex [M(II)(propene)(Me(2)tpa)](2+) (Me(2)tpa=N,N,N-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine). The decomposition rate of the [M(II)(cod)(N-ligand)](2+) species decreases with increasing N-ligand bulk in the following order: dpa>pla>Bn-dla. Decomposition of the most hindered [M(II)(cod)(Bn-dla)](2+) complexes proceeds by a second-order process. The kinetic rate expression v=k(obs)[M(II)](2) in acetone with k(obs)=k'[H(+)][S], where [S] is the concentration of additional coordinating reagents (MeCN), is in agreement with ligand-assisted dissociation of one of the pyridine donors. Solvent coordination results in formation of more open, reactive species. Protonation of the noncoordinating pyridyl group increases the concentration of this species, and thus [H(+)] appears in the kinetic rate expression. The kinetic data are in agreement with bimolecular hydrogen-atom transfer from M(II)(cod) to another M(II) species (DeltaH( not equal)=11.5+/-2 kcal mol(-1), DeltaS( not equal)=-27+/-10 cal K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaG( not equal)(298 K)=19.5+/-5 kcal mol(-1)).     

Oxygen atom transfer from a trans-dioxoruthenium(VI) complex to nitric oxide

In aqueous acidic solutions trans-[Ru(VI)(L)(O)(2)](2+) (L=1,12-dimethyl-3,4:9,10-dibenzo-1,12-diaza-5,8-dioxacyclopentadecane) is rapidly reduced by excess NO to give trans-[Ru(L)(NO)(OH)](2+). When ≤1 mol equiv NO is used, the intermediate Ru(IV) species, trans-[Ru(IV)(L)(O)(OH(2))](2+), can be detected. The reaction of [Ru(VI)(L)(O)(2)](2+) with NO is first order with respect to [Ru(VI)] and [NO], k(2)=(4.13±0.21)×10(1) M(-1) s(-1) at 298.0 K. ΔH(≠) and ΔS(≠) are (12.0±0.3) kcal mol(-1) and -(11±1) cal mol(-1) K(-1), respectively. In CH(3)CN, ΔH(≠) and ΔS(≠) have the same values as in H(2)O; this suggests that the mechanism is the same in both solvents. In CH(3)CN, the reaction of [Ru(VI)(L)(O)(2)](2+) with NO produces a blue-green species with λ(max) at approximately 650 nm, which is characteristic of N(2)O(3). N(2)O(3) is formed by coupling of NO(2) with excess NO; it is relatively stable in CH(3)CN, but undergoes rapid hydrolysis in H(2)O. A mechanism that involves oxygen atom transfer from [Ru(VI)(L)(O)(2)](2+) to NO to produce NO(2) is proposed. The kinetics of the reaction of [Ru(IV)(L)(O)(OH(2))](2+) with NO has also been investigated. In this case, the data are consistent with initial one-electron O(-) transfer from Ru(IV) to NO to produce the nitrito species [Ru(III)(L)(ONO)(OH(2))](2+) (k(2)>10(6) M(-1) s(-1)), followed by a reaction with another molecule of NO to give [Ru(L)(NO)(OH)](2+) and NO(2)(-) (k(2)=54.7 M(-1) s(-1)).     

A dodecanuclear Zn cluster sandwiched by polyoxometalate ligands

A dodecazinc silicotungstate K(20)Na(2)[Zn(6)(OH)(7)(H(2)O)(Si(2)W(18)O(66))](2)·34H(2)O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, acid-base titration, and DFT calculations. The twelve zinc atoms between the two [Si(2)W(18)O(66)](16-) frameworks make this complex more stable hydrolytically than the heteropolytungstate ligands, [Si(2)W(18)O(66)](16-), themselves. The structurally unique central Zn(12) core is formed by the fusion of two [Zn(6)(OH)(7)(H(2)O)](5+) units through two edge-sharing Zn6 atoms. DFT B3LYP calculations give HOMO-LUMO and (HOMO - 1)-LUMO energy gaps of ～3.65 and 3.91 eV, respectively, as compared to the band gap in ZnO of 3.35 eV.     

A kinetic and thermodynamic study of the unexpected comproportionation reaction between cis-[Os(VIII)O4(OH)2](2-) and trans-[Os(VI)O2(OH)4](2-) to form a postulated [Os(VII)O3(OH)3](2-) complex anion

A kinetic study of [OsO(4)] reduction by aliphatic alcohols (MeOH and EtOH) was performed in a 2.0 M NaOH matrix at 298.1 K. The rate model that best fitted the UV-VIS data supports a one-step, two electron reduction of Os(VIII) (present as both the [Os(VIII)O(4)(OH)](-) and cis-[Os(VIII)O(4)(OH)(2)](2-) species in a ratio of 0.34:0.66) to form the trans-[Os(VI)O(2)(OH)(4)](2-) species. The formed trans-[Os(VI)O(2)(OH)(4)](2-) species subsequently reacts relatively rapidly with the cis-[Os(VIII)O(4)(OH)(2)](2-) complex anion to form a postulated [Os(VII)O(3)(OH)(3)](2-) species according to: cis-[Os(VIII)O(4)(OH)(2)](2-) + trans-[Os(VI)O(2)(OH)(4)](2-) (k+2) (k-2) 2[Os(VII)O(3)(OH)(3)](2-). The calculated forward, k(+2), and reverse, k(-2), reaction rate constants of this comproportionation reaction are 620.9 ± 14.6 M(-1) s(-1) and 65.7 ± 1.2 M(-1) s(-1) respectively. Interestingly, it was found that the postulated [Os(VII)O(3)(OH)(3)](2-) complex anion does not oxidize MeOH or EtOH. Furthermore, the reduction of Os(VIII) with MeOH or EtOH is first order with respect to the aliphatic alcohol concentration. In order to corroborate the formation of the [Os(VII)O(3)(OH)(3)](2-) species predicted with the rate model simulations, several Os(VIII)/Os(VI) mole fraction and mole ratio titrations were conducted in a 2.0 M NaOH matrix at 298.1 K under equilibrium conditions. These titrations confirmed that the cis-[Os(VIII)O(4)(OH)(2)](2-) and trans-[Os(VI)O(2)(OH)(4)](2-) species react in a 1:1 ratio with a calculated equilibrium constant, K(COM), of 9.3 ± 0.4. The ratio of rate constants k(+2) and k(-2) agrees quantitatively with K(COM), satisfying the principle of detailed balance. In addition, for the first time, the molar extinction coefficient spectrum of the postulated [Os(VII)O(3)(OH)(3)](2-) complex anion is reported.     

Interconversion and Reactivity of Two Heterometallic Tin-Containing Cuboidal Clusters from [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+): X-ray Structure of the Single Cube with an Mo(3)SnS(4) Core

The Mo(3)SnS(4)(6+) single cube is obtained by direct addition of Sn(2+) to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). UV-vis spectra of the product (0.13 mM) in 2.00 M HClO(4), Hpts, and HCl indicate a marked affinity of the Sn for Cl(-), with formation of the more strongly yellow [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](3+) complex complete in as little as 0.050 M Cl(-). The X-ray crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)].0.5H(2)O has been determined and gives Mo-Mo (mean 2.730 ?) and Mo-Sn (mean 3.732 ?) distances, with a difference close to 1 ?. The red-purple double cube cation [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) is obtained by reacting Sn metal with [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). The double cube is also obtained in approximately 50% yield by BH(4)(-) reduction of a 1:1 mixture of [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). Conversely two-electron oxidation of [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O(6)](3+) gives the single cube [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) (up to 70% yield), followed by further two-electron oxidation to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Sn(IV). The kinetics of the first stages have been studied using the stopped-flow method and give rate laws first order in [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) and the Co(III) or Fe(III) oxidant. The oxidation with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) has no [H(+)] dependence, [H(+)] = 0.50-2.00 M. With Fe(III) as oxidant, reaction steps involving [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) and [Fe(H(2)O)(5)OH](2+) are implicated. At 25 degrees C and I = 2.00 M (Li(pts)) k(Co) is 14.9 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and k(a) for the reaction of [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) is 0.68 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) (both outer-sphere reactions). Reaction of Cu(2+) with the double but not the single cube is observed, yielding [Mo(3)CuS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](5+). A redox-controlled mechanism involving intermediate formation of Cu(+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) accounts for the changes observed.     

Mechanisms of water oxidation catalyzed by the cis,cis-[(bpy)2Ru(OH2)]2O4+ ion

The cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)Ru(III)(OH(2))](2)O(4+) micro-oxo dimeric coordination complex is an efficient catalyst for water oxidation by strong oxidants that proceeds via intermediary formation of cis,cis-[(bpy)(2)Ru(V)(O)](2)O(4+) (hereafter, [5,5]). Repetitive mass spectrometric measurement of the isotopic distribution of O(2) formed in reactions catalyzed by (18)O-labeled catalyst established the existence of two reaction pathways characterized by products containing either one atom each from a ruthenyl O and solvent H(2)O or both O atoms from solvent molecules. The apparent activation parameters for micro-oxo ion-catalyzed water oxidation by Ce(4+) and for [5,5] decay were nearly identical, with DeltaH(++) = 7.6 (+/-1.2) kcal/mol, DeltaS() = -43 (+/-4) cal/deg mol (23 degrees C) and DeltaH(++) = 7.9 (+/-1.1) kcal/mol, DeltaS(++) = -44 (+/-4) cal/deg mol, respectively, in 0.5 M CF(3)SO(3)H. An apparent solvent deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 1.7 was measured for O(2) evolution at 23 degrees C; the corresponding KIE for [5,5] decay was 1.6. The (32)O(2)/(34)O(2) isotope distribution was also insensitive to solvent deuteration. On the basis of these results and previously established chemical properties of this class of compounds, mechanisms are proposed that feature as critical reaction steps H(2)O addition to the complex to form covalent hydrates. For the first pathway, the elements of H(2)O are added as OH and H to the adjacent terminal ruthenyl O atoms, and for the second pathway, OH is added to a bipyridine ring and H is added to one of the ruthenyl O atoms.     

Catalytic gas phase oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde

Two gas-phase catalytic cycles for the two-electron oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols were detected by multistage mass spectrometry experiments. A binuclear dimolybdate center [Mo(2)O(6)(OCHR(2))](-) acts as the catalyst in both these cycles. The first cycle proceeds via three steps: (1) reaction of [Mo(2)O(6)(OH)](-) with alcohol R(2)HCOH and elimination of water to form [Mo(2)O(6)(OCHR(2))](-); (2) oxidation of the alkoxo ligand and its elimination as aldehyde or ketone in the rate-determining step; and (3) regeneration of the catalyst via oxidation by nitromethane. Step 2 does not occur at room temperature and requires the use of collisional activation to proceed. The second cycle is similar but differs in the order of reaction with alcohol and nitromethane. The nature of each of these reactions was probed by kinetic measurements and by variation of the substrate alcohols (structure and isotope labeling). The role of the binuclear molybdenum center was assessed by examination of the relative reactivities of the mononuclear [MO(3)(OH)](-) and binuclear [M(2)O(6)(OH)](-) ions (M = Cr, Mo, W). The molybdenum and tungsten binuclear centers [M(2)O(6)(OH)](-) (M = Mo, W) were reactive toward alcohol but the chromium center [Cr(2)O(6)(OH)](-) was not. This is consistent with the expected order of basicity of the hydroxo ligand in these species. The chromium and molybdenum centers [M(2)O(6)(OCHR(2))](-) (M = Cr, Mo) oxidized the alkoxo ligand to aldehyde, while the tungsten center [W(2)O(6)(OCHR(2))](-) did not, instead preferring the non-redox elimination of alkene. This is consistent with the expected order of oxidizing power of the anions. Each of the mononuclear anions [MO(3)(OH)](-) (M = Cr, Mo, W) was inert to reaction with methanol, highlighting the importance of the second MoO(3) unit in these catalytic cycles. Only the dimolybdate center has the mix of properties that allow it to participate in each of the three steps of the two catalytic cycles. The three reactions of these cycles are equivalent to the three essential steps proposed to occur in the industrial oxidation of gaseous methanol to formaldehyde at 300-400 degrees C over solid-state catalysts based upon molybdenum(VI)-trioxide. The new gas-phase catalytic data is compared with those for the heterogeneous process.     

Encapsulation of cyanometalates by a tris-macrocyclic ligand tricopper(II) complex: syntheses, structural variation, and magnetic exchange coupling pathways

The reaction of [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Cr(3+), Mn(3+), Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(CN)(8)](4-/3-) (M = Mo(4+/5+), W(4+/5+)) with the trinuclear copper(II) complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltris[3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)] ([Cu(3)(L)](6+)) leads to partially encapsulated cyanometalates. With hexacyanometalate(III) complexes, [Cu(3)(L)](6+) forms the isostructural host-guest complexes [[[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))(2)][M(CN)(6)](2)][M(CN)(6)]][M(CN)(6)]30 H(2)O with one bridging, two partially encapsulated, and one isolated [M(CN)(6)](3-) unit. The octacyanometalates of Mo(4+/5+) and W(4+/5+) are encapsulated by two tris-macrocyclic host units. Due to the stability of the +IV oxidation state of Mo and W, only assemblies with [M(CN)(8)](4-) were obtained. The Mo(4+) and W(4+) complexes were crystallized in two different structural forms: [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[Mo(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(8)15 H(2)O with a structural motif that involves isolated spherical [[Cu(3)(L)(OH(2))](2)[M(CN)(8)]](8+) ions and a "string-of-pearls" type of structure [[[Cu(3)(L)](2)[M(CN)(8)]][M(CN)(8)]](NO(3))(4) 20 H(2)O, with [M(CN)(8)](4-) ions that bridge the encapsulated octacyanometalates in a two-dimensional network. The magnetic exchange coupling between the various paramagnetic centers is characterized by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data. Exchange between the CuCu pairs in the [Cu(3)(L)](6+) "ligand" is weakly antiferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic interactions are observed in the cyanometalate assemblies with Cr(3+), exchange coupling of Mn(3+) and Fe(3+) is very small, and the octacoordinate Mo(4+) and W(4+) systems have a closed-shell ground state.     

Oxidative reactivity difference among the metal oxo and metal hydroxo moieties: pH dependent hydrogen abstraction by a manganese(IV) complex having two hydroxide ligands

Clarifying the difference in redox reactivity between the metal oxo and metal hydroxo moieties for the same redox active metal ion in identical structures and oxidation states, that is, M(n+)O and M(n+)-OH, contributes to the understanding of nature's choice between them (M(n+)O or M(n+)-OH) as key active intermediates in redox enzymes and electron transfer enzymes, and provides a basis for the design of synthetic oxidation catalysts. The newly synthesized manganese(IV) complex having two hydroxide ligands, [Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(OH)(2)](PF(6))(2), serves as the prototypic example to address this issue, by investigating the difference in the hydrogen abstracting abilities of the Mn(IV)O and Mn(IV)-OH functional groups. Independent thermodynamic evaluations of the O-H bond dissociation energies (BDE(OH)) for the corresponding reduction products, Mn(III)-OH and Mn(III)-OH(2), reveal very similar oxidizing power for Mn(IV)O and Mn(IV)-OH (83 vs 84.3 kcal/mol). Experimental tests showed that hydrogen abstraction proceeds at reasonable rates for substrates having BDE(CH) values less than 82 kcal/mol. That is, no detectable reaction occurred with diphenyl methane (BDE(CH) = 82 kcal/mol) for both manganese(IV) species. However, kinetic measurements for hydrogen abstraction showed that at pH 13.4, the dominant species Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(O)(2), having only Mn(IV)O groups, reacts more than 40 times faster than the Mn(IV)-OH unit in Mn(Me(2)EBC)(2)(OH)(2)(2+), the dominant reactant at pH 4.0. The activation parameters for hydrogen abstraction from 9,10-dihydroanthracene were determined for both manganese(IV) moieties: over the temperature range 288-318 K for Mn(IV)(OH)(2)(2+), DeltaH(double dagger) = 13.1 +/- 0.7 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(double dagger) = -35.0 +/- 2.2 cal K(-1) mol(-1); and the temperature range 288-308 K for for Mn(IV)(O)(2), DeltaH(double dagger) = 12.1 +/- 1.8 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(double dagger) = -30.3 +/- 5.9 cal K(-1) mol(-1).     

Monomeric MnIII/II and FeIII/II complexes with terminal hydroxo and oxo ligands: probing reactivity via O-H bond dissociation energies

Non-heme manganese and iron complexes with terminal hydroxo or oxo ligands are proposed to mediate the transfer of hydrogen atoms in metalloproteins. To investigate this process in synthetic systems, the monomeric complexes [M(III/II)H(3)1(OH)](-/2-) and [M(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) have been prepared, where M(III/II) = Mn and Fe and [H(3)1](3-) is the tripodal ligand, tris[(N'-tert-butylureaylato)-N-ethyl)]aminato. These complexes have similar primary and secondary coordination spheres, which are enforced by [H(3)1](3-). The homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDEs(O-H)) for the M(III/II)-OH complexes were determined, using experimentally obtained values for the pK(a)(M-OH) and E(1/2) measured in DMSO. This thermodynamic analysis gave BDEs(O-H) of 77(4) kcal/mol for [Mn(II)H(3)1(O-H)](2-) and 66(4) kcal/mol for [Fe(II)H(3)1(O-H)](2-). For the M(III)-OH complexes, [Mn(III)H(3)1(OH)]- and [Fe(III)H(3)1(OH)]-, BDEs(O-H) of 110(4) and 115(4) kcal/mol were obtained. These BDEs(O-H) were verified with reactivity studies with substrates having known X-H bond energies (X = C, N, O). For instance, [Fe(II)H(3)1(OH)](2-) reacts with a TEMPO radical to afford [Fe(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) and TEMPO-H in isolated yields of 60 and 75%, respectively. Consistent with the BDE(O-H) values for [Mn(II)H(3)1(OH)](2-), TEMPO does not react with this complex, yet TEMPO-H (BDE(O-H) = 70 kcal/mol) reacts with [Mn(III)H(3)1(O)](2-), forming TEMPO and [Mn(II)H(3)1(OH)](2-). [Mn(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) and [Fe(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) react with other organic substrates containing C-H bonds less than 80 kcal/mol, including 9,10-dihydroanthracene and 1,4-cyclohexadiene to produce [M(II)H(3)1(OH)](2-) and the appropriate dehydrogenated product in yields of greater than 80%. Treating [Mn(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) and [Fe(III)H(3)1(O)](2-) with phenolic compounds does not yield the product expected from hydrogen atom transfer but rather the protonated complexes, [Mn(III)H(3)1(OH)]- and [Fe(III)H(3)1(OH)]-, which is ascribed to the highly basic nature of the terminal oxo group.     

Transition from hydrogen atom to hydride abstraction by Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6 versus [Mn4O4(O2PPh2)6]+: O-H bond dissociation energies and the formation of Mn4O3(OH)(O2PPh2)6

Synthesis, characterization, and reactions of the novel manganese-oxo cubane complex [Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6)](ClO(4)), 1+ (ClO(4)(-)), are described. Cation 1+ is composed of the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core surrounded by six bidentate phosphinate ligands. The proton-coupled electron transfer (pcet) reactions of phenothiazine (pzH), the cation radical (pzH(.+)(ClO(4)(-)), and the neutral pz* radical with 1+ are reported and compared to Mn(4)O(4)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1). Compound 1+ (ClO(4)(-)) reacts with excess pzH via four sequential reduction steps that transfer a total of five electrons and four protons to 1+. This reaction forms the doubly dehydrated manganese cluster Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (2) and two water molecules derived from the corner oxygen atoms. The first pcet step forms the novel complex Mn(4)O(3)(OH)(O(2)PPh(2))(6) (1H) and 1 equiv of the pz+ cation by net hydride transfer from pzH. Spectroscopic characterization of isolated 1H is reported. Reduction of 1 by pzH or a series of para-substituted phenols also produces 1H via net H atom transfer. A lower limit to the homolytic bond dissociation energy (BDE) (1H --> 1 + H) was estimated to be >94 kcal/mol using solution phase BDEs for pzH and para-substituted phenols. The heterolytic BDE was estimated for the hydride transfer reaction 1H --> 1+ + H(-) (BDE approximately 127 kcal/mol). These comparisons reveal the O-H bond in 1H to be among the strongest of any Mn-hydroxo complex measured thus far. In three successive H atom transfer steps, 1H abstracts three hydrogen atoms from three pzH molecules to form complex 2. Complex 2 is shown to be identical to the "pinned butterfly" cluster produced by the reaction of 1 with pzH (Ruettinger, W. F.; Dismukes, G. C. Inorg. Chem. 2000, 39, 1021-1027). The Mn oxidation states in 2 are formally Mn(4)(2II,2III), and no further reduction occurs in excess pzH. By contrast, outer-sphere electron-only reductants such as cobaltacene reduce both 1+ and 1 to the all Mn(II) oxidation level and cause cluster fragmentation. The reaction of pzH(.+) with 1+ produces 1H and the pz+ cation by net hydrogen atom transfer, and terminates at 1 equiv of pzH(.+) with no further reaction at excess. By contrast, pz* does not react with 1+ at all, indicating that reduction of 1+ by electron transfer to form pz+ does not occur without a proton (pcet to 1+ is thermodynamically required). Experimental free energy changes are shown to account for these pcet reactions and the absence of electron transfer for any of the phenothiazine series. Hydrogen atom abstraction from substrates by 1 versus hydride abstraction by 1(+ )()illustrates the transition to two-electron one-proton pcet chemistry in the [Mn(4)O(4)](7+) core that is understood on the basis of free energy consideration. This transition provides a concrete example of the predicted lowest-energy pathway for the oxidation of two water molecules to H(2)O(2) as an intermediate within the photosynthetic water-oxidizing enzyme (vs sequential one-electron/proton steps). The implications for the mechanism of photosynthetic water splitting are discussed.     

Nitrile hydration by thiolate- and alkoxide-ligated Co-NHase analogues. Isolation of Co(III)-amidate and Co(III)-iminol intermediates

Nitrile hydratases (NHases) are thiolate-ligated Fe(III)- or Co(III)-containing enzymes, which convert nitriles to the corresponding amide under mild conditions. Proposed NHase mechanisms involve M(III)-NCR, M(III)-OH, M(III)-iminol, and M(III)-amide intermediates. There have been no reported crystallographically characterized examples of these key intermediates. Spectroscopic and kinetic data support the involvement of a M(III)-NCR intermediate. A H-bonding network facilitates this enzymatic reaction. Herein we describe two biomimetic Co(III)-NHase analogues that hydrate MeCN, and four crystallographically characterized NHase intermediate analogues, [Co(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))(MeCN)](2+) (1), [Co(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))(OH)](+) (3), [Co(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))(NHC(O)CH(3))](+) (2), and [Co(III)(O(Me2)N(4)(tren))(NHC(OH)CH(3))](2+) (5). Iminol-bound 5 represents the first example of a Co(III)-iminol compound in any ligand environment. Kinetic parameters (k(1)(298 K) = 2.98(5) M(-1) s(-1), ΔH(?) = 12.65(3) kcal/mol, ΔS(?) = -14(7) e.u.) for nitrile hydration by 1 are reported, and the activation energy E(a) = 13.2 kcal/mol is compared with that (E(a) = 5.5 kcal/mol) of the NHase enzyme. A mechanism involving initial exchange of the bound MeCN for OH- is ruled out by the fact that nitrile exchange from 1 (k(ex)(300 K) = 7.3(1) × 10(-3) s(-1)) is 2 orders of magnitude slower than nitrile hydration, and that hydroxide bound 3 does not promote nitrile hydration. Reactivity of an analogue that incorporates an alkoxide as a mimic of the highly conserved NHase serine residue shows that this moiety facilitates nitrile hydration under milder conditions. Hydrogen-bonding to the alkoxide stabilizes a Co(III)-iminol intermediate. Comparison of the thiolate versus alkoxide intermediate structures shows that C≡N bond activation and C═O bond formation proceed further along the reaction coordinate when a thiolate is incorporated into the coordination sphere.     

A comparison of the influences of alkoxide and thiolate ligands on the electronic structure and reactivity of molybdenum(3+) and tungsten(3+) complexes. preparation and structures of M(2)(O(T)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2), and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py)

M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds (M = Mo, W) react in hydrocarbon solvents with an excess of (t)BuSH to give M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4), red, air- and temperature-sensitive compounds. (1)H NMR studies reveal the equilibrium M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) + 4(t)BuSH <==> M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) + 4(t)BuOH proceeds to the right slowly at 22 degrees C. The intermediates M(2)(O(t)Bu)(4)(S(t)Bu)(2), M(2)(O(t)Bu)(3)(S(t)Bu)(3), and M(2)(O(t)Bu)(5)(S(t)Bu) have been detected. The equilibrium constants show the M-O(t)Bu bonds to be enthalpically favored over the M-S(t)Bu bonds. In contrast to the M(2)(O(t)Bu)(6) compounds, M(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4) compounds are inert with respect to the addition of CO, CO(2), ethyne, (t)BuC triple bond CH, MeC triple bond N, and PhC triple bond N. Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to a hydrocarbon solution of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(6)(mu-CO) leads to the rapid expulsion of CO and subsequent formation of W(2)(O(t)Bu)(2)(S(t)Bu)(4). Addition of an excess of (t)BuSH to hydrocarbon solutions of [Mo(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(O(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py) gives the structurally related compounds [Mo(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)](2) and W(S(t)Bu)(3)(NO)(py), with linear M-N-O moieties and five-coordinate metal atoms. The values of nu(NO) are higher in the related thiolate compounds than in their alkoxide counterparts. The bonding in the model compounds M(2)(EH)(6), M(2)(OH)(2)(EH)(4), (HE)(3)M triple bond CMe, and W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) and the fragments M(EH)(3), where M = Mo or W and E = O or S, has been examined by DFT B3LYP calculations employing various basis sets including polarization functions for O and S and two different core potentials, LANL2 and relativistic CEP. BLYP calculations were done with ZORA relativistic terms using ADF 2000. The calculations, irrespective of the method used, indicate that the M-O bonds are more ionic than the M-S bonds and that E ppi to M dpi bonding is more important for E = O. The latter raises the M-M pi orbital energies by ca. 1 eV for M(2)(OH)(6) relative to M(2)(SH)(6). For M(EH)(3) fragments, the metal d(xz)(),d(yz)() orbitals are destabilized by OH ppi bonding, and in W(EH)(3)(NO)(NH(3)) the O ppi to M dpi donation enhances W dpi to NO pi* back-bonding. Estimates of the bond strengths for the M triple bond M in M(2)(EH)(6) compounds and M triple bond C in (EH)(3)M triple bond CMe have been obtained. The stronger pi donation of the alkoxide ligands is proposed to enhance back-bonding to the pi* orbitals of alkynes and nitriles and facilitate their reductive cleavage, a reaction that is not observed for their thiolate counterpart.     

Mechanisms of the reactions of W AND W+ with H2O: computational studies

The mechanism of the reactions of W and W(+) with the water molecule have been studied for several lower-lying electronic states of tungsten centers at the CCSD(T)/6-311G(d,p)+SDD and B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)+SDD levels of theory. It is shown that these reactions are essentially multistate processes, during which lower-lying electronic states of the systems cross several times. They start with the formation of initial prereaction M(H(2)O) complexes with M-H(2)O bonding energies of 9.6 and 48.2 kcal/mol for M = W and W(+), followed by insertion of the metal center into an O-H bond with 20.0 and 53.3 kcal/mol barriers for neutral and cationic systems, respectively. The overall process of M + H(2)O --> t-HM(OH) is calculated to be highly exothermic, 48.4 and 48.8 kcal/mol for M = W and W(+). From the HM(OH) intermediate the reaction may proceed via several different channels, among which the stepwise HM(OH) --> HMO + H --> (H)(2)MO and concerted HM(OH) --> (H)(2)MO pathways are more favorable and can compete (energetically) with each other. For the neutral system (M = W), the concerted process is the most favorable, whereas for the charged system (M = W(+)), the stepwise pathway is slightly more favorable. From the energetically most favorable intermediate (H)(2)MO the reactions proceed via H(2)-molecule formation with a 53.1 kcal/mol activation barrier for the neutral system. For the cationic system, H-H formation and dissociation is an almost barrierless process. The overall reaction of W and W(+) with the water molecule leading to H(2) + MO formation is found to be exothermic by 48.2 and 39.8 kcal/mol, respectively. In the gas phase with the collision-less conditions the reactions W((7)S) + H(2)O --> H(2) + WO((3)Sigma(+)), and W(+)((6)D) + H(2)O --> H(2) + WO(+)((4)Sigma(+)) are expected to proceed via a 10.4 and 5.1 kcal/mol overall energy barrier corresponding to the first O-H dissociation at the TS1. On the basis of these PESs, we predict kinetic rate constants for the reactions of W and W(+) with H(2)O.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of bi- and trimetallic octacyanometalate(IV) complexes: [Delta,Lambda-MII(en)3][cis-MII(en)2(OH2)][MIV(CN)8].2H2O and [cis-MII(en)2(OH2)]2[(mu-NC)2MIV(CN)6].4H2O (MII = Mn, Co, Ni; MIV = Mo, W)

Treatment of [M(II)(en)(3)][OTs](2) or methanolic ethylenediamine solutions containing transition metal p-toluenesulfonates (M(II) = Mn, Co) with aqueous K(4)M(IV)(CN)(8).2H(2)O or Cs(3)M(V)(CN)(8) (M(IV) = Mo, W; M(V) = Mo) affords crystalline clusters of [M(II)(en)(3)][cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(mu-NC)M(IV)(CN)(7)].2H(2)O (M(IV) = Mo; M(II) = Mn, 1; Ni, 5; M(IV) = W; M(II) = Mn, 2; Ni, 6) and [cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))](2)[(mu-NC)(2)M(IV)(CN)(6)].4H(2)O (M(IV) = Mo; M(II) = Co, 3; Ni, 7; M(IV) = W; M(II) = Co, 4) stoichiometry. Each cluster contains cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(mu-NC)(2+) units that likely result from dissociative loss of en from [M(II)(en)(3)](2+), affording cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(2)(2+) intermediates that are trapped by M(IV)(CN)(8)(4-).     

Hydrocarbon oxidation by Bis-mu-oxo manganese dimers: electron transfer,hydride transfer,and hydrogen atom transfer mechanisms

Described here are oxidations of alkylaromatic compounds by dimanganese mu-oxo and mu-hydroxo dimers [(phen)(2)Mn(IV)(mu-O)(2)Mn(IV)(phen)(2)](4+) ([Mn(2)(O)(2)](4+)), [(phen)(2)Mn(IV)(mu-O)(2)Mn(III)(phen)(2)](3+) ([Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+)), and [(phen)(2)Mn(III)(mu-O)(mu-OH)Mn(III)(phen)(2)](3+) ([Mn(2)(O)(OH)](3+)). Dihydroanthracene, xanthene, and fluorene are oxidized by [Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+) to give anthracene, bixanthenyl, and bifluorenyl, respectively. The manganese product is the bis(hydroxide) dimer, [(phen)(2)Mn(III)(mu-OH)(2)Mn(II)(phen)(2)](3+) ([Mn(2)(OH)(2)](3+)). Global analysis of the UV/vis spectral kinetic data shows a consecutive reaction with buildup and decay of [Mn(2)(O)(OH)](3+) as an intermediate. The kinetics and products indicate a mechanism of hydrogen atom transfers from the substrates to oxo groups of [Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+) and [Mn(2)(O)(OH)](3+). [Mn(2)(O)(2)](4+) is a much stronger oxidant, converting toluene to tolyl-phenylmethanes and naphthalene to binaphthyl. Kinetic and mechanistic data indicate a mechanism of initial preequilibrium electron transfer for p-methoxytoluene and naphthalenes because, for instance, the reactions are inhibited by addition of [Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+). The oxidation of toluene by [Mn(2)(O)(2)](4+), however, is not inhibited by [Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+). Oxidation of a mixture of C(6)H(5)CH(3) and C(6)H(5)CD(3) shows a kinetic isotope effect of 4.3 +/- 0.8, consistent with C-H bond cleavage in the rate-determining step. The data indicate a mechanism of initial hydride transfer from toluene to [Mn(2)(O)(2)](4+). Thus, oxidations by manganese oxo dimers occur by three different mechanisms: hydrogen atom transfer, electron transfer, and hydride transfer. The thermodynamics of e(-), H(*), and H(-) transfers have been determined from redox potential and pK(a) measurements. For a particular oxidant and a particular substrate, the choice of mechanism is influenced both by the thermochemistry and by the intrinsic barriers. Rate constants for hydrogen atom abstraction by [Mn(2)(O)(2)](3+) and [Mn(2)(O)(OH)](3+) are consistent with their 79 and 75 kcal mol(-)(1) affinities for H(*). In the oxidation of p-methoxytoluene by [Mn(2)(O)(2)](4+), hydride transfer is thermochemically 24 kcal mol(-)(1) more facile than electron transfer; yet the latter mechanism is preferred. Thus, electron transfer has a substantially smaller intrinsic barrier than does hydride transfer in this system.