Molecular view of the anomalous acidities of Sn2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+

Experimental results taken from both the condensed and gaseous phase show that, when associated with water, the three dications Sn(2+), Pb(2+), and Hg(2+) exhibit a facile proton-transfer reaction. In the gas phase, no stable [M.(H(2)O)(n)](2+) ions are observed; but instead the cations appear to undergo rapid hydrolysis to give ions of the form M(+)OH(H(2)O)(n-1). A series of ab initio calculations have been undertaken on the structures and proton-transfer reaction profiles associated with the complexes [M.(H(2)O)(2,4)](2+), where M is one of Sn, Pb, Hg, and Ca. The latter has been used as a reference point both in terms of comparisons with previous calculations, and the fact that Ca(2+) is a very weak acid. The calculations show that for Sn(2+), Pb(2+), and Hg(2+), the only barriers to proton transfer are those associated with the movement of water molecules. In the gas phase, these barriers could be overcome through energy gained during ion formation, and in the condensed phase the thermal motion of water molecules would be sufficient. In contrast, the calculations show that for Ca(2+) it is the proton-transfer step that provides the most significant reaction barrier. Proton transfer in Sn(2+) and Pb(2+) is further assisted by distortions in the geometries of [M.(H(2)O)(2,4)](2+) complexes due to voids created by the 5s(2) (6s(2)) inert lone pair. For Hg(2+), ease of proton transfer is derived partly from the high degree of covalent bonding found in both the reactants and products.     

Proton-promoted oxygen atom transfer vs proton-coupled electron transfer of a non-heme iron(IV)-oxo complex

Sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by a non-heme iron(IV)-oxo complex, [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine), was remarkably enhanced by perchloric acid (70% HClO(4)). The observed second-order rate constant (k(obs)) of sulfoxidation of thioaniosoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) increases linearly with increasing concentration of HClO(4) (70%) in acetonitrile (MeCN)at 298 K. In contrast to sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+), the observed second-order rate constant (k(et)) of electron transfer from one-electron reductants such as [Fe(II)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](2+) (Me(2)bpy = 4,4-dimehtyl-2,2'-bipyridine) to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) increases with increasing concentration of HClO(4), exhibiting second-order dependence on HClO(4) concentration. This indicates that the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) involves two protons associated with electron transfer from [Fe(II)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](2+) to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) to yield [Fe(III)(Me(2)bpy)(3)](3+) and [(N4Py)Fe(III)(OH(2))](3+). The one-electron reduction potential (E(red)) of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) in the presence of 10 mM HClO(4) (70%) in MeCN is determined to be 1.43 V vs SCE. A plot of E(red) vs log[HClO(4)] also indicates involvement of two protons in the PCET reduction of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+). The PCET driving force dependence of log k(et) is fitted in light of the Marcus theory of outer-sphere electron transfer to afford the reorganization of PCET (λ = 2.74 eV). The comparison of the k(obs) values of acid-promoted sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) with the k(et) values of PCET from one-electron reductants to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) at the same PCET driving force reveals that the acid-promoted sulfoxidation proceeds by one-step oxygen atom transfer from [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) to thioanisoles rather than outer-sphere PCET.     

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.     

Quantum chemical studies of mononuclear zinc species of hydration and hydrolysis

Optimal geometries, charge distributions, bond analysis, changes of Gibbs free energy, entropies and enthalpies of hydration, and hydrolysis reactions for mononuclear species of Zn(2+) including hydrated and hydrolysis complexes were investigated using quantum chemical calculations in the gas phase. Optimized geometrical structures showed that the stable hydrated and hydrolysis zinc species without outer-sphere water molecules were Zn(H(2)O)(6)(2+), Zn(OH)(H(2)O)(3)(+), Zn(OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2), Zn(OH)(3)(-), and Zn(OH)(4)(2-). Results of NPA (Natural Population Analysis) indicated that the charge on the Zn atom of the hydrated ions decreased but the charge on the zinc atom of the hydrolysis species increased with the increase of inner-sphere water molecules. NBO (Natural Bond Orbital) analyses demonstrated that hydrated and hydrolysis species of zinc were mainly electrostatic bonding compounds. Calculations of reaction energies indicated that inner-sphere water molecules became more unfavorable as the hydrolysis increased. Stepwise hydrolysis equilibrium constants decreased successively and the order remained unchanged when the inner-sphere dehydration occurred.     

Single ion and dimerization studies of the Al(III) ion in aqueous solution

Aqueous trivalent aluminum (Al) ions and their oligomers play important roles in diverse areas, such as environmental sciences and medicine. The geometries of octahedral Al(H(2)O)(6)(3+) and tetrahedral Al(OH)(4)(-) species have been studied extensively. However, structures of intermediate hydrolysis products of the Al(III) ion, such as the penta-coordinated Al(OH)(2+) species, which exists at pH values ranging from 3.0 to 4.3, and their mode of formation have been poorly understood. Here, we present that a trigonal bipyramidal Al(OH)(H(2)O)(4)(2+) structure is formed in aqueous solution and how this monomeric species dimerizes to a dinuclear [(H(2)O)(4)Al(OH)(2)Al(H(2)O)(4)](4+) complex in aqueous solution. The Gibbs free energy change calculations indicate that the formation of the dinuclear complex is preferred over the existence of two single trigonal bipyramidal Al(OH)(H(2)O)(4)(2+) species in aqueous solution. This study captures the solution dynamics and proton transfer in the oligomerization reactions of penta-coordinated Al(OH)(2+) species in aqueous solution.     

A convenient method for the preparation of barbituric and thiobarbituric acid transition metal complexes

A convenient method for the preparation of barbiturate transition metal complexes: (i) Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) ions with barbituric acid (H(2)L) and (ii) Cr(3+) and Mo(5+) with 2-thiobarbituric acid (H(2)L') was reported and this has enabled seven complexes to be formulated as: [Cr(HL)(2)(OH)(H(2)O)].H(2)O, [Mn(HL)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], [Fe(2)(L)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O, [Zn(HL)(2)], [Cd(HL)(2)], [Cr(HL')(OH)(2)(H(2)O)].H(2)O and [Mo(HL')(2)]Cl. These new barbiturate complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic measurements, spectral methods (mid infrared, (1)H NMR, mass, X-ray powder diffraction and UV/vis spectra) and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG and DTG) techniques. The molar conductance measurements proved that, all complexes of barbituric and 2-thiobarbituric acids are non-electrolytes except for [Mo(HL')(2)]Cl. The electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements were used to infer the structures. The IR spectra of the ligands and their complexes are used to identify the mode of coordination. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters such as: E, DeltaH, DeltaS and DeltaG are estimated according to the DTG curves. The two ligands and their complexes have been studied for their possible biological antifungal activity.     

Ab initio quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical simulation of electron transfer process: fractional electron approach

Electron transfer (ET) reactions are one of the most important processes in chemistry and biology. Because of the quantum nature of the processes and the complicated roles of the solvent, theoretical study of ET processes is challenging. To simulate ET processes at the electronic level, we have developed an efficient density functional theory (DFT) quantum mechanical (QM)/molecular mechanical (MM) approach that uses the fractional number of electrons as the order parameter to calculate the redox free energy of ET reactions in solution. We applied this method to study the ET reactions of the aqueous metal complexes Fe(H(2)O)(6)(2+/3+) and Ru(H(2)O)(6)(2+/3+). The calculated oxidation potentials, 5.82 eV for Fe(II/III) and 5.14 eV for Ru(II/III), agree well with the experimental data, 5.50 and 4.96 eV, for iron and ruthenium, respectively. Furthermore, we have constructed the diabatic free energy surfaces from histogram analysis based on the molecular dynamics trajectories. The resulting reorganization energy and the diabatic activation energy also show good agreement with experimental data. Our calculations show that using the fractional number of electrons (FNE) as the order parameter in the thermodynamic integration process leads to efficient sampling and validate the ab initio QM/MM approach in the calculation of redox free energies.     

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.     

Scandium ion-enhanced oxidative dimerization and N-demethylation of N,N-dimethylanilines by a non-heme iron(IV)-oxo complex

Oxidative dimerization of N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) occurs with a nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex, [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine), to yield the corresponding dimer, tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), in acetonitrile. The rate of the oxidative dimerization of DMA by [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+) is markedly enhanced by the presence of scandium triflate, Sc(OTf)(3) (OTf = CF(3)SO(3)(-)), when TMB is further oxidized to the radical cation (TMB(?+)). In contrast, we have observed the oxidative N-demethylation with para-substituted DMA substrates, since the position of the C-C bond formation to yield the dimer is blocked. The rate of the oxidative N-demethylation of para-substituted DMA by [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+) is also markedly enhanced by the presence of Sc(OTf)(3). In the case of para-substituted DMA derivatives with electron-donating substituents, radical cations of DMA derivatives are initially formed by Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from DMA derivatives to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+), giving demethylated products. Binding of Sc(3+) to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+) enhances the Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from DMA derivatives to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+), whereas binding of Sc(3+) to DMA derivatives retards the electron-transfer reaction. The complicated kinetics of the Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from DMA derivatives to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+) are analyzed by competition between binding of Sc(3+) to DMA derivatives and to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+). The binding constants of Sc(3+) to DMA derivatives increase with the increase of the electron-donating ability of the para-substituent. The rate constants of Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from DMA derivatives to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+), which are estimated from the binding constants of Sc(3+) to DMA derivatives, agree well with those predicted from the driving force dependence of the rate constants of Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from one-electron reductants to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+). Thus, oxidative dimerization of DMA and N-demethylation of para-substituted DMA derivatives proceed via Sc(3+) ion-coupled electron transfer from DMA derivatives to [Fe(IV)(O)(N4Py)](2+).     

Generation and reactivity of rhodium(IV) complexes in aqueous solutions

At pH = 1 and 25 degrees C, the Fenton-like reactions of Fe(aq)(2+) with hydroperoxorhodium complexes LRh(III)OOH(2+) (L = (H(2)O)(NH(3))(4), k = 30 M(-1) s(-1), and L = L(2) = (H(2)O)(meso-Me(6)-[14]aneN(4)), k = 31 M(-1) s(-1)) generate short-lived, reactive intermediates, believed to be the rhodium(IV) species LRh(IV)O(2+). In the rapid follow-up steps, these transients oxidize Fe(aq)(2+), and the overall reaction has the standard 2:1 [Fe(aq)(2+)]/[LRhOOH(2+)] stoichiometry. Added substrates, such as alcohols, aldehydes, and (NH(3))(4)(H(2)O)RhH(2+), compete with Fe(aq)(2+) for LRh(IV)O(2+), causing the stoichiometry to change to <2:1. Such competition data were used to determine relative reactivities of (NH(3))(4)RhO(2+) toward CH(3)OH (1), CD(3)OH (0.2), C(2)H(5)OH (2.7), 2-C(3)H(7)OH (3.4), 2-C(3)D(7)OH (1.0), CH(2)O (12.5), C(2)H(5)CHO (45), and (NH(3))(4)RhH(2+) (125). The kinetics and products suggest hydrogen atom abstraction for (NH(3))(4)RhO(2+)/alcohol reactions. A short chain reaction observed with C(2)H(5)CHO is consistent with both hydrogen atom and hydride transfer. The rate constant for the reaction between Tl(aq)(III) and L(2)Rh(2+) is 2.25 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1).     

Synthesis and characterization of heterodinuclear Ln(3+)-Fe3+ and Ln(3+)-Co3+ complexes,bridged by cyanide ligand (Ln3+ = lanthanide ions). Nature of the magnetic interaction in the Ln(3+)-Fe3+ complexes

The reaction of Ln(NO3)3.aq with K3[Fe(CN)6] or K3[Co(CN)6] in N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) led to 25 heterodinuclear [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Fe(CN)5].nH2O and [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Co(CN)5].nH2O complexes (with Ln = all the lanthanide(III) ions, except promethium and lutetium). Five complexes (Pr(3+)-Fe3+), (Tm(3+)-Fe3+), (Ce(3+)-Co3+), (Sm(3+)-Co3+), and (Yb(3+)-Co3+) have been structurally characterized; they crystallize in the equivalent monoclinic space groups P21/c or P21/n. Structural studies of these two families show that they are isomorphous. This relationship in conjunction with the diamagnetism of the Co3+ allows an approximation to the nature of coupling between the iron(III) and the lanthanide(III) ions in the [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Fe(CN)5].nH2O complexes. The Ln(3+)-Fe3+ interaction is antiferromagnetic for Ln = Ce, Nd, Gd, and Dy and ferromagnetic for Ln = Tb, Ho, and Tm. For Ln = Pr, Eu, Er, Sm, and Yb, there is no sign of any significant interaction. The isotropic nature of Gd3+ helps to evaluate the value of the exchange interaction.     

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.     

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)).     

Synthesis and characterization of iron(III)-substituted, dimeric polyoxotungstates, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](n-) (n = 6, X = As(III), Sb(III); n = 4, X = Se(IV), Te(IV))

Interaction of the lacunary [alpha-XW(9)O(33)](9-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) with Fe(3+) ions in acidic, aqueous medium leads to the formation of dimeric polyoxoanions, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](6-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)) in high yield. X-ray single-crystal analyses were carried out on Na(6)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-AsW(9)O(33))(2)] x 32H(2)O, which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/m, with a = 20.2493(18) A, b = 15.2678(13) A, c = 16.0689(14) A, beta = 95.766(2) degrees, and Z = 2; Na(6)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SbW(9)O(33))(2)] x 32H(2)O is isomorphous with a = 20.1542(18) A, b = 15.2204(13) A, c = 16.1469(14) A, and beta = 95.795(2) degrees. The selenium and tellurium analogues are also reported, [Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](4-) (X = Se(IV), Te(IV)). They are synthesized from sodium tungstate and a source of the heteroatom as precursors. X-ray single-crystal analysis was carried out on Cs(4)[Fe(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SeW(9)O(33))(2)] x 21H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P macro 1, with a = 12.6648(10) A, b = 12.8247(10) A, c = 16.1588(13) A, alpha = 75.6540(10) degrees, beta = 87.9550(10) degrees, gamma = 64.3610(10) gamma, and Z = 1. All title polyanions consist of two (beta-XW(9)O(33)) units joined by a central pair and a peripheral pair of Fe(3+) ions leading to a structure with idealized C(2h) symmetry. It was also possible to synthesize the Cr(III) derivatives [Cr(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-XW(9)O(33))(2)](6-) (X = As(III), Sb(III)), the tungstoselenates(IV) [M(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-SeW(9)O(33))(2)]((16)(-)(4n)-) (M(n+) = Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+)), and the tungstotellurates(IV) [M(4)(H(2)O)(10)(beta-TeW(9)O(33))(2)]((16-4n)-) (M(n+) = Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+)), as determined by FTIR. The electrochemical properties of the iron-containing species were also studied. Cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry aided in distinguishing between Fe(3+) and W(6+) waves. By variation of pH and scan rate, it was possible to observe the stepwise reduction of the Fe(3+) centers.     

Metal Ion-Coupled Electron Transfer of a Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complex: Remarkable Enhancement of Electron-Transfer Rates by Sc(3+)

Rates of electron transfer from a series of one-electron reductants to a nonheme oxoiron(IV) complex, [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+), are enhanced as much as 10(8)-fold by addition of metal ions such as Sc(3+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+); the metal ion effect follows the Lewis acidity of metal ions. The one-electron reduction potential of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) is shifted to a positive direction by 0.84 V in the presence of Sc(3+) ion (0.20 M).     

Dissociations of copper(II)-containing complexes of aromatic amino acids: radical cations of tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine

The dissociations of two types of copper(II)-containing complexes of tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), or phenylalanine (Phe) are described. The first type is the bis-amino acid complex, [Cu(II)(M)(2)].(2+), where M = Trp, Tyr, or Phe; the second [Cu(II)(4Cl-tpy)(M)].(2+), where 4Cl-tpy is the tridendate ligand 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine. Dissociations of the Cu(ii) bis-amino acid complexes produce abundant radical cation of the amino acid, M.(+), and/or its secondary products. By contrast, dissociations of the 4Cl-tpy-bearing ternary complexes give abundant M.(+) only for Trp. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that for Tyr and Phe, amino-acid displacement reactions by H(2)O and CH(3)OH (giving [Cu(II)(4Cl-tpy)(H(2)O)].(2+) and [Cu(II)(4Cl-tpy)(CH(3)OH)].(2+)) are energetically more favorable than dissociative electron transfer (giving M.(+) and [Cu(I)(4Cl-tpy)](+)). The fragmentation pathway common to all these [Cu(II)(4Cl-tpy)(M)].(2+) ions is the loss of NH(3). DFT calculations show that the loss of NH(3) proceeds via a "phenonium-type" intermediate. Dissociative electron transfer in [Cu(II)(4Cl-tpy)(M-NH(3))].(2+) results in [M-NH(3)].(+). The [Phe-NH(3)] (+) ion dissociates facilely by eliminating CO(2) and giving a metastable phenonium-type ion that rearranges readily into the styrene radical cation.     

Aqueous ferryl(IV) ion: kinetics of oxygen atom transfer to substrates and oxo exchange with solvent water

The aqueous iron(IV) ion, Fe(IV)(aq)O(2+), generated from O(3) and Fe(aq)(2+), reacts rapidly with various oxygen atom acceptors (sulfoxides, a water-soluble triarylphosphine, and a thiolatocobalt complex). In each case, Fe(IV)(aq)O(2+) is reduced to Fe(aq)(2+), and the substrate is oxidized to a product expected for oxygen atom transfer. Competition methods were used to determine the kinetics of these reactions, some of which have rate constants in excess of 10(7) M(-1) s(-1). Oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has k = 1.26 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) and shows no deuterium kinetic isotope effect, k(DMSO-d(6)) = 1.23 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). The Fe(IV)(aq)O(2+)/sulfoxide reaction is the product-forming step in a very efficient Fe(aq)(2+)-catalyzed oxidation of sulfoxides by ozone. This catalytic cycle, combined with labeling experiments in H(2)(18)O, was used to determine the rate constant for the oxo-group exchange between Fe(IV)(aq)O(2+) and solvent water under acidic conditions, k(exch) = 1.4 x 10(3) s(-1).     

Mechanistic studies on the nitrite-catalyzed reductive nitrosylation of highly charged anionic and cationic Fe(III) porphyrin complexes

The nitrosyl complexes formed during the binding of NO to the (Pn)FeIII(H2O)2 (n = 8+ and 8-) complexes, viz., (P8-)FeII(H2O)(NO+) and (P8+)FeII(H2O)(NO+), undergo subsequent reductive nitrosylation reactions that were found to be catalyzed by nitrite, which was also produced during the reaction. The effect of the nitrite concentration, pH, temperature, and pressure on the nitrite-catalyzed reductive nitrosylation process was studied in detail for (P8-)FeIII(H2O)2, (P8+)FeIII(H2O)2, and (P8+)FeIII(OH)(H2O), from which rate and activation parameters were obtained. On the basis of these data, we propose mechanistic pathways for the studied reactions. The available results favor the operation of an innersphere electron-transfer process between nitrite and coordinated NO(+). By way of comparison, the cationic porphyrin complex (P8+)FeIII(L)2 (L = H2O or OH-) was found to react with NO2(-) to yield the nitrite adduct (P8+)FeIII(L)(NO2)(-)). A detailed kinetic studied revealed that nitrite binds to (P8+)FeIII(H2O)2 according to a dissociative mechanism, whereas nitrite binding to (P8+)FeIII(OH)(H2O) at higher pH follows an associative mechanism, similar to that reported for the binding of NO to these complexes.     

Route to metallacrowns: the mechanism of formation of a dinuclear iron(III)-salicylhydroxamate complex

The equilibria and the kinetics of the binding of Iron(III) to salicylhydroxamic (SHA) and benzohydroxamic (BHA) acids have been investigated in aqueous solution (I = 1 M (HClO(4)/NaClO(4)), T = 298 K) using spectrophotometric and stopped-flow methods. Whereas Iron(III) forms a 1:1 complex (ML) with BHA, it forms both ML and M(2)L complexes with SHA. The presence of M(2)L in aqueous medium is corroborated by FTIR measurements. The reactive form of Iron(III) is the hydrolyzed species FeOH(2+), which binds to the O,O site in ML and to the O,O and O(P),N (P = phenolate) sites in M(2)L, inducing full deprotonation of the latter. The reaction pathway is discussed in terms of a multistep mechanistic scheme in which the metal-ligand interaction is coupled to hydrolysis and self-aggregation steps of Iron(III). The observation and characterization of M(2)L as a stable species is important because it contains the -Fe-O-N-Fe- sequence, which constitutes the repetitive motif of the SHA-based metallacrown ring and provides the rationale for 12-MC-4 metallacrowns. In the framework of this study, the kinetics of the Iron(III) dimerization and trimerization have also been investigated using the stopped-flow method to perform dilution jumps. The reaction scheme put forward involves two parallel steps (FeOH(2+) + FeOH(2+) and Fe(3+) + FeOH(2+)) that lead to formation of the Fe(2)(OH)(2)(4+) dimer and a slower step (FeOH(2+) + Fe(2)(OH)(2)(4+)) to form the trimer species. The kinetics of the last step have been investigated here for the first time, and the results deduced indicate that, of the two possible trimer structures reported in the literature, Fe(3)(OH)(3)(6+) and Fe(3)(OH)(4)(5+), the latter prevails by far.