Mimicking Class I b Mn2‐Ribonucleotide Reductase: A MnII2 Complex and Its Reaction with Superoxide

A fascinating discovery in the chemistry of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) has been the identification of a dimanganese (Mn₂) active site in class I b RNRs that requires superoxide anion (O₂^.?), rather than dioxygen (O₂), to access a high‐valent Mn₂ oxidant. Complex 1 ([Mn₂(O₂CCH₃)(N‐Et‐HPTB)](ClO₄)₂, N‐Et‐HPTB=N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(2‐(1‐ethylbenzimidazolyl))‐2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐diaminopropane) was synthesised in high yield (90 %). 1 was reacted with O₂^.? at ?40 °C resulting in the formation of a metastable species ( 2 ). 2 displayed electronic absorption features (λ_max=460, 610 nm) typical of a Mn‐peroxide species and a 29‐line EPR signal typical of a Mn^IIMn^III entity. Mn K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) suggested a formal oxidation state change of Mn^II₂ in 1 to Mn^IIMn^III for 2 . Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) suggested 2 to be a Mn^IIMn^III‐peroxide complex. 2 was capable of oxidizing ferrocene and weak O?H bonds upon activation with proton donors. Our findings provide support for the postulated mechanism of O₂^.? activation at class I b Mn₂ RNRs.     

A MnIIMnIII‐Peroxide Complex Capable of Aldehyde Deformylation

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are essential enzymes required for DNA synthesis. In class Ib Mn₂ RNRs superoxide (O₂^.?) was postulated to react with the Mn^II₂ core to yield a Mn^IIMn^III‐peroxide moiety. The reactivity of complex 1 ([Mn^II₂(O₂CCH₃)₂(BPMP)](ClO₄), where HBPMP=2,6‐bis{[(bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}‐4‐methylphenol) towards O₂^.? was investigated at ?90 °C, generating a metastable species, 2 . The electronic absorption spectrum of 2 displayed features (λ_max=440, 590 nm) characteristic of a Mn^IIMn^III‐peroxide species, representing just the second example of such. Electron paramagnetic resonance and X‐ray absorption spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry supported the formulation of 2 as a Mn^IIMn^III‐peroxide complex. Unlike all other previously reported Mn₂‐peroxides, which were unreactive, 2 proved to be a capable oxidant in aldehyde deformylation. Our studies provide insight into the mechanism of O₂‐activation in Class Ib Mn₂ RNRs, and the highly reactive intermediates in their catalytic cycle.     

Binuclear Homoleptic Manganese(III,III) and Manganese(IV,III) Complexes with Deprotonated D-Mannose from Aqueous Solution

Just a “reducing” sugar —namely, D -mannose—is a starting material in the synthesis of a mixed-valence complex of manganese in the oxidation states +III and +IV . Ba₂[Mn^IIIMn^IV(β-D -ManfH₋₅)₂]Cl⋅14 H₂O (Manf=mannofuranose; the structure of the anion is shown on the right) is prepared in aqueous solution by oxidation of an analogous Mn₂^III complex with oxygen. In neutral solutions the Mn^IIIMn^IV binuclear complex is formed by disproportionation of the Mn₂^III precursor.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of sulphur(IV) with N,N′‐ethylene‐bis(sali‐cylidiniminato)manganese‐(III) in aqueous solution

The reaction of (diaqua)(N,N′‐ethylene‐bis(salicylidiniminato)manganese(III) with aqueous sulphite buffer results in the formation of the corresponding mono sulphito complex, [Mn(Salen)(SO₃)]⁻ (S‐bonded isomer) via three distinct paths: (i) Mn(Salen)(OH₂)₂⁺ + HSO₃⁻ → (k₁); (ii) Mn(Salen)(OH₂)₂⁺ + SO₃²⁻ → (k₂); (III) Mn(Salen)(OH₂)(OH) + SO₃²⁻ → (k₃) in the stopped flow time scale. The fact that the mono sulphito complex does not undergo further anation with SO₃²⁻/HSO₃⁻ may be attributed to the strong trans‐activating influence of the S‐bonded sulphite. The values of the rate constants (10⁻²k_i/dm² mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 25°C, I = 0.3 mol dm⁻³), ΔH_i^#/kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS_i^#/J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ respectively are: 2.97 ± 0.27, 42.4 ± 0.2, −55.3 ± 0.6 (i = 1); 11.0 ± 0.8, 33 ± 3, −75 ± 10 (i = 2); 20.6 ± 1.9, 32.4 ± 0.2, −72.9 ± 0.6 (i = 3). The trend in reactivity (k₂ > k₁), a small labilizing effect of the coordinated hydroxo group (k₃/k₂ < 2), and substantially low values of ΔS^# suggest that the mechanism of aqua ligand substitution of the diaqua, and aqua‐hydroxo complexes is most likely associative interchange (I_a). No evidence for the formation of the O‐bonded sulphito complex and the ligand isomerization in the sulphito complex, (Mn^III‐OSO₂ → Mn^III‐SO₃), ensures the selectivity of the Mn^III centre toward the S‐end of the S^IV species. The monosulphito complex further undergoes slow redox reaction in the presence of excess sulphite to produce Mn^II, S₂O₆²⁻ and SO₄²⁻. The formation of dithionate is a consequence of the fast dimerization of the SO₃₋. generated in the rate determining step and also SO₄²⁻ formation is attributed to the fast scavenging of the SO₃₋. by the Mn^III species via a redox path. The internal reduction of the Mn^III centre in the monosulphito complex is insignificant. The redox reaction of the monosulphitomanganese(III) complex operates via two major paths, one involving HSO₃₋ and the other SO₃²⁻. The electron transfer is believed to be outersphere type. The substantially negative values of activation entropies (ΔS^# = −(1.3 ± 0.2) × 10² and −(1.6 ± 0.2) × 10² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for the paths involving HSO₃₋ and SO₃²⁻ respectively) reflect a considerable degree of ordering of the reactants in the act of electron transfer. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 627–635, 1999     

Robust and efficient amide-based nonheme manganese(III) hydrocarbon oxidation catalysts: substrate and solvent effects on involvement and partition of multiple active oxidants

Two new mononuclear nonheme manganese(III) complexes of tetradentate ligands containing two deprotonated amide moieties, [Mn(bpc)Cl(H₂O)] ( 1 ) and [Mn(Me₂bpb)Cl(H₂O)] ? CH₃OH ( 2 ), were prepared and characterized. Complex 2 has also been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Magnetic measurements revealed that the complexes are high spin (S=5/2) Mn^III species with typical magnetic moments of 4.76 and 4.95 μ_B, respectively. These nonheme Mn^III complexes efficiently catalyzed olefin epoxidation and alcohol oxidation upon treatment with MCPBA under mild experimental conditions. Olefin epoxidation by these catalysts is proposed to involve the multiple active oxidants Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OO(O)CR. Evidence for this approach was derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, KIE (k_H/k_D) values, H₂¹⁸O‐exchange experiments, and the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe. In addition, it has been proposed that the participation of Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOR could be controlled by changing the substrate concentration, and that partitioning between heterolysis and homolysis of the O? O bond of a Mn‐acylperoxo intermediate (Mn? OOC(O)R) might be significantly affected by the nature of solvent, and that the O? O bond of the Mn? OOC(O)R might proceed predominantly by heterolytic cleavage in protic solvent. Therefore, a discrete Mn^V?O intermediate appeared to be the dominant reactive species in protic solvents. Furthermore, we have observed close similarities between these nonheme Mn^III complex systems and Mn(saloph) catalysts previously reported, suggesting that this simultaneous operation of the three active oxidants might prevail in all the manganese‐catalyzed olefin epoxidations, including Mn(salen), Mn(nonheme), and even Mn(porphyrin) complexes. This mechanism provides the greatest congruity with related oxidation reactions by using certain Mn complexes as catalysts.     

Homo‐ and Heterovalent Polynuclear Cerium and Cerium/Manganese Aggregates

Reactions of Ce^III(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O or (NH₄)₂[Ce^IV(NO₃)₆] with Mn‐containing starting materials result in seven novel polynuclear Ce or Ce/Mn complexes with pivalato (^tBuCO ) and, in most cases, auxiliary N,O‐ or N,O,O‐donor ligands. With nuclearities ranging from 6–14, the compounds present aesthetically pleasing structures. Complexes [Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₄(μ₃‐OH)₄(μ‐O₂C^tBu)₁₂] ( 1 ), [Ce^IV₆Mn^III₄(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(ea)₄(OAc)₄]?4 H₂O?4 MeCN (ea^?=2‐aminoethanolato; 2 ), [Ce^IV₆Mn^III₈(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₈(pye)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₈]₂[Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₄(μ₃‐OH)₄(O₂C^tBu)₁₀(NO₃)₄] [Ce^III(NO₃)₅(H₂O)]?21 MeCN (pye^?=pyridine‐2‐ethanolato; 3 ), and [Ce^IV₆Ce^III₂Mn^III₂(μ₄‐O)₄(μ₃‐O)₄(^tbdea)₂(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(NO₃)₂(OAc)₂]?4 CH₂Cl₂ (^tbdea^2?=2,2′‐(tert‐butylimino]bis[ethanolato]; 4 ) all contain structures based on an octahedral {Ce^IV₆(μ₃‐O)₈} core, in which many of the O‐atoms are either protonated to give (μ₃‐OH)^? hydroxo ligands or coordinate to further metal centers (Mn^III or Ce^III) to give interstitial (μ₄‐O)^2? oxo bridges. The decanuclear complex [Ce^IV₈Ce^IIIMn^III(μ₄‐O)₃(μ₃‐O)₃(μ₃‐OH)₂(μ‐OH)(bdea)₄(O₂C^tBu)_9.5(NO₃)_3.5(OAc)₂]?1.5 MeCN (bdea^2?=2,2′‐(butylimino]bis[ethanolato]; 5 ) contains a rather compact Ce^IV₇ core with the Ce^III and Mn^III centers well‐separated from each other on the periphery. The aggregate in [Ce^IV₄Mn^IV₂(μ₃‐O)₄(bdea)₂(O₂C^tBu)₁₀(NO₃)₂]?4 MeCN ( 6 ) is based on a quasi‐planar {Mn^IV₂Ce^IV₄(μ₃‐O)₄} core made up of four edge‐sharing {Mn^IVCe^IV₂(μ₃‐O)} or {Ce^IV₃(μ₃‐O)} triangles. The structure of [Ce^IV₃Mn^IV₄Mn^III(μ₄‐O)₂(μ₃‐O)₇(O₂C^tBu)₁₂(NO₃)(furan)]?6 H₂O ( 7 ?6 H₂O) can be considered as {Mn^IV₂Ce^IV₂O₄} and distorted {Mn^IV₂Mn^IIICe^IVO₄} cubane units linked through a central (μ₄‐O) bridge. The Ce₆Mn₈ equals the highest nuclearity yet reported for a heterometallic Ce/Mn aggregate. In contrast to most of the previously reported heterometallic Ce/Mn systems, which contain only Ce^IV and either Mn^IV or Mn^III, some of the aggregates presented here show mixed valency, either Mn^IV/Mn^III (see 7 ) or Ce^IV/Ce^III (see 4 and 5 ). Interestingly, some of the compounds, including the heterovalent Ce^IV/Ce^III 4 , could be obtained from either Ce^III(NO₃)₃?6 H₂O or (NH₄)₂[Ce^IV(NO₃)₆] as starting material.     

A novel one‐dimensional complex: catena‐poly­[[manganese(III)‐di‐μ‐2‐[(2‐hydroxy­ethyl)­imino­methyl]­phenolato‐κ2O1,N:κO2;κO2:κ2O1] chloride]

In the title one‐dimensional complex, {[Mn^III(C₉H₁₀NO₂)₂]Cl}_n, the Schiff base ligand 2‐[(2‐hydroxy­ethyl)­imino­methyl]­phenolate (Hsae⁻) functions as both a bridging and a chelating ligand. The Mn^III ion is six‐coordinated by two N and four O atoms from four different Hsae⁻ ligands, yielding a distorted MnO₄N₂ octahedral environment. Each [Mn^III(Hsae)₂]⁺ cationic unit has the Mn atom on an inversion centre and each [Mn^III(Hsae)₂]⁺ cation lies about another inversion centre. The chain‐like complex is further extended into a three‐dimensional network structure through Cl⋯H—O hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π contacts involving the Hsae⁻ rings.     

Zero-Field Splittings and Redox Potentials in an Isostructural Series of Dinuclear FeIITiIV,FeIIITiIV, and MnIITiIV Complexes with a Face-Sharing Bridging Motive

The ligand H₆ioan has been used to synthesize the three dinuclear complexes [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV], [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV], and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺. The face-sharing bridging mode of the three phenolates provides short M-Ti^IV distances of ≈3.0 Å. Mössbauer spectra of [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ show a magnetically split six-line spectrum at 3 K in zero magnetic field demonstrating a slow magnetic relaxation. Magnetic measurements provide a zero-field splitting of |D|=5 cm⁻¹ in [(ioan)Fe^IITi^IV]. EPR spectroscopy demonstrates sizable zero-field splittings of the S=5/2 spin systems of [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] (D=0.246 cm⁻¹) and [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ (D<−1 cm⁻¹) that can be related to enforced covalency of the M-O^ph bonds. [(ioan)Fe^IIITi^IV]⁺ exhibits a reversible reduction at −0.26 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc demonstrating the facile accessibility of Fe^III and Fe^II. In contrast to an irreversible oxidation in [(ioan)Ni^IITi^IV] at 0.78 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc, the reversible oxidation at 0.25 V vs. Fc⁺/Fc in [(ioan)Mn^IITi^IV] indicates even the access of Mn^III. These results indicate that pentanuclear complexes [(ioan)FeM¹M²M¹Fe(ioan)]ⁿ⁺ are meaningful targets to access electron delocalization in mixed-valence systems over five ions due to the facile accessibility of both Fe^II and Fe^III in the terminal positions. This study provides important local spin-Hamiltonian and Mössbauer parameters that will be essential for the understanding of the potentially complicated electronic structure in the anticipated pentanuclear complexes.     

Mechanistic Insight into the Nitric Oxide Dioxygenation Reaction of Nonheme Iron(III)–Superoxo and Manganese(IV)–Peroxo Complexes

Reactions of nonheme Fe^III–superoxo and Mn^IV–peroxo complexes bearing a common tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), namely [(TAML)Fe^III(O₂)]^2? and [(TAML)Mn^IV(O₂)]^2?, with nitric oxide (NO) afford the Fe^III–NO₃ complex [(TAML)Fe^III(NO₃)]^2? and the Mn^V–oxo complex [(TAML)Mn^V(O)]^? plus NO₂^?, respectively. Mechanistic studies, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that M^III–peroxynitrite (M=Fe and Mn) species, generated in the reactions of [(TAML)Fe^III(O₂)]^2? and [(TAML)Mn^IV(O₂)]^2? with NO, are converted into M^IV(O) and ^.NO₂ species through O?O bond homolysis of the peroxynitrite ligand. Then, a rebound of Fe^IV(O) with ^.NO₂ affords [(TAML)Fe^III(NO₃)]^2?, whereas electron transfer from Mn^IV(O) to ^.NO₂ yields [(TAML)Mn^V(O)]^? plus NO₂^?.     

Studies on binuclear hydroxo/carboxylato-bridged manganese(III) complexes and a mononuclear manganese(III) complex involving salen type ligands

Synthesis of six hydroxo-bridged binuclear manganese(III) complexes of formulae [MnL-X-MnL](ClO₄) [X = OH (1–6)] along with a mononuclear manganese(III) complex (7) [Mn(L)(L′)(MeOH)₂] [HL′ = 2-(2-hydroxy-phen-yl)benzimidazole] and two carboxylate-bridged binuclear manganese(III) complexes (8) and (9) are described. The complexes have been characterized by the combination of i.r., u.v.-vis spectroscopy, magnetic moments and by their redox properties. The electronic spectra of all the complexes exhibit almost identical features consisting of two d–d bands at ca. 550 and 600 nm, one MLCT band at ca.400 nm, together with two π–π^* intra-ligand transitions at ca. 250 nm and ca.300 nm. Room temperature magnetic data range from μ = 2.7–3.0 BM indicates some super-exchange between the binuclear metal centers via bridging hydroxo/carboxylato groups. The X-ray crystal structure of the binuclear complex (5) revealed that it has a symmetric Mn^IIIN₂O₂ core bridged by a hydroxyl group. The X-ray analysis of the mononuclear complex (7) showed that the manganese-center possesses a distorted octahedral geometry. Electrochemical properties of hydroxo-bridged manganese(III) complexes (1–6) show identical features consisting of an irreversible and a quasi-reversible reduction corresponding to the Mn₂^III → Mn^IIMn^III → Mn^IIMn^II couples in the voltammogram. It was found that electron withdrawing substituents on the ligand result in easier reduction. Complex (7) displays an irreversible reduction at 0.08 V and a reversible oxidation at 0.45V assignable to the Mn^III → Mn^II reduction and Mn^III → Mn^IV oxidation, respectively. The carboxylate-bridged compound (8) exhibits two irreversible oxidations at 0.4 and 0.6 V, probably due to Mn₂^III → Mn^IIIMn^IV → Mn^IVMn^IV oxidations and shows a quasi-reversible reductive wave at −0.85 V, tentatively assigned to Mn₂^III → Mn^IIMn^III reduction.     

Vanadium–Manganese Redox Flow Battery: Study of MnIII Disproportionation in the Presence of Other Metallic Ions

The Mn^III/Mn^II redox couple with a standard potential of +1.51 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) has attracted interest for the design of V/Mn redox flow batteries (RFBs). However, Mn^III disproportionation leads to a loss of capacity, an increase in pressure drop, and electrode passivation caused by the formation of MnO₂ particles during battery cycling. In this work, the influence of Ti^IV or/and V^V on Mn^III stability in acidic conditions is studied by formulating four different electrolytes in equimolar ratios (Mn, Mn/Ti, Mn/V, Mn/V/Ti). Voltammetry studies have revealed an EC_i process for Mn^II oxidation responsible for the electrode passivation. SEM and XPS analysis demonstrate that the nature and morphology of the passivating oxides layer depend strongly on the electrolyte composition. Spectroelectrochemistry highlights the stabilization effect of Ti^IV and V^V on Mn^III. At a comparable pH, the amount of Mn^III loss through disproportionation is decreased by a factor of 2.5 in the presence of Ti^IV or/and V^V. Therefore, V^V is an efficient substitute for Ti^IV to stabilize the Mn^III electrolyte for RFB applications.     

Synthesis and spectral studies on heterobimetallic complexes of manganese and ruthenium derived from N-(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylenebenzoylhydrazide

The complex [Mn^IV(napbh)₂] (napbhH₂ = N-(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylenebenzoylhydrazide) reacts with activated ruthenium(III) chloride in methanol in 1 : 1.2 molar ratio under reflux, giving heterobimetallic complexes, [Mn^IV(napbh)₂Ru^IIICl₃(H₂O)] · [Ru^III(napbhH)Cl₂(H₂O)] reacts with Mn(OAc)₂·4H₂O in methanol in 1 : 1.2 molar ratio under reflux to give [Ru^III(napbhH)Cl₂(H₂O)Mn^II(OAc)₂]. Replacement of aquo in these heterobimetallic complexes has been observed when the reactions are carried out in the presence of pyridine (py), 3-picoline (3-pic), or 4-picoline (4-pic). The molar conductances for these complexes in DMF indicates 1 : 1 electrolytes. Magnetic moment values suggest that these heterobimetallic complexes contain Mn^IV and Ru^III or Ru^III and Mn^II in the same structural unit. Electronic spectral studies suggest six coordinate metal ions. IR spectra reveal that the napbhH₂ ligand coordinates in its enol form to Mn^IV and bridges to Ru^III and in the keto form to Ru^III and bridging to Mn^II.     

Mechanistic Study of the Reactions of l-ascorbic Acid and Oxalic Acid with an Octahedral Manganese(IV) Complex of 1,8-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido)-3,6-diazaoctane

The Mn^IV complex of 1,8-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido)-3,6-diazaoctane (Mn^IVL) with phenolate-amido-amine coordination is reduced by l-ascorbic acid and oxalic acid obeying overall 1:1 stoichiometry. The reactions are biphasic and Mn^IIIL⁻ is the reactive intermediate. The product of oxidation of ascorbic acid (H₂Asc) is dehydroascorbic acid and that of oxalic acid (H₂OX) is CO₂, while Mn^II is the end product from Mn^IV. Both Mn^IVL and Mn^IIIL⁻ form outer sphere adducts with H₂Asc and H₂OX with high values of equilibrium constants of formation (Q>10² dm³ mol⁻¹, I = 0.5 mol dm⁻³, 25.8 °C, 1.5% v/v MeOH+H₂O). The adduct formation is diffusion controlled and is attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions between the reactants. The rate constants for the electron transfer in (Mn^IV/^IIIL, H₂A), (Mn^IV/^IIIL, HA⁻) (H₂A = H₂Asc, H₂OX) and for (Mn^IVL, H₂Asc)+H₂Asc, (Mn^IIIL⁻, HAsc⁻)+HAsc⁻ are reported. There was no evidence of direct coordination of the reductants to the Mn^IV/III center indicating an outer sphere (ET) mechanism.     

High effective electrocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexanol on stable Fe-Mn/Mn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> membrane electrode

A new composite electrode material with iron-manganic oxide coating (Fe-Mn/Mn₂O₃) was prepared, and its catalytic performance for oxidizing cyclohexanol was investigated in this work. The new electrode material, based on iron substrate covered with electrolytic manganese, was obtained by further coating the manganese surface with 50 % manganese nitrate solution and then conducting program thermal decomposition treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the surface crystal phase compositions, which were Mn and Mn₂O₃. The catalytic results showed an excellent electrocatalytic performance on the oxidation of cyclohexanol, and the main products were cyclohexanone and hexanedioic acid. According to our experiment results and the literature reports, the existence of mixed valent Mn^III and Mn^IV played a key role in the electrocatalytic oxidation process. A probable process was proposed: the Mn^IV seized the hydrogen from cyclohexanol, the resulting cyclohexaneoxy radical was oxidized into cyclohexanone, and then the absorbed cyclohexanone was further oxidized into hexanedioic acid.     

Aquachloro[N,N′‐ethylenebis(salicylideneiminato)]manganese(III)

The title compound, aqua­chloro{2,2′‐[1,2‐ethanediyl­bis­(nitrilo­methyl­idyne)]­diphenolato‐κ⁴O,N,N′,O′}manganese(III),[MnCl(C₁₆H₁₄N₂O₂)(H₂O)], is a neutral manganese(III) complex with a pseudo‐octahedral metal centre. The equatorial plane comprises the four donor atoms of the tetradentate Schiff base ligand [Mn—O 1.886 (4) and 1.893 (4) Å, and Mn—N 1.978 (5) and 1.982 (5) Å], with a water mol­ecule [Mn—O 2.383 (4) Å] and a Cl^? ligand [Mn—Cl 2.4680 (16) Å] completing the coordination sphere. The distorted geometry is highlighted by the marked displacement of the Mn^III ion out of the least‐squares plane of the four Schiff base donor atoms by 0.165 (2) Å. These monomeric Mn^III centres are then linked into a polymeric array via hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water mol­ecule and the phenolic O‐atom donors of an adjacent Mn^III centre [O—H?O 2.789 (5) and 2.881 (5) Å].     

Two‐Color Valence‐to‐Core X‐ray Emission Spectroscopy Tracks Cofactor Protonation State in a Class I Ribonucleotide Reductase

Proton transfer reactions are of central importance to a wide variety of biochemical processes, though determining proton location and monitoring proton transfers in biological systems is often extremely challenging. Herein, we use two‐color valence‐to‐core X‐ray emission spectroscopy (VtC XES) to identify protonation events across three oxidation states of the O₂‐activating, radical‐initiating manganese–iron heterodinuclear cofactor in a class I‐c ribonucleotide reductase. This is the first application of VtC XES to an enzyme intermediate and the first simultaneous measurement of two‐color VtC spectra. In contrast to more conventional methods of assessing protonation state, VtC XES is a more direct probe applicable to a wide range of metalloenzyme systems. These data, coupled to insight provided by DFT calculations, allow the inorganic cores of the Mn^IVFe^IV and Mn^IVFe^III states of the enzyme to be assigned as Mn^IV(μ‐O)₂Fe^IV and Mn^IV(μ‐O)(μ‐OH)Fe^III, respectively.     

Efficient Olefin Epoxidation by Robust Re4 Cluster‐Supported MnIII Complexes with Peracids: Evidence of Simultaneous Operation of Multiple Active Oxidant Species,MnVO,MnIVO,and MnIII?OOC(O)R

Two new tetranuclear chalcocyanide cluster complexes, [{Mn(saloph)H₂O}₄Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂]?4 CH₃OH? 8 H₂O (saloph=N,N′‐o‐phenylenebis(salicylidenaminato), Q=Se ( 1 ‐Se), Te ( 2 ‐Te)), have been synthesized by the diffusion of a methanolic solution of [PPh₄]₄[Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂] into a methanolic solution of [Mn(saloph)]⁺. The structure of 2 ‐Te has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. These rhenium cluster‐supported [Mn^III(saloph)] complexes have been found to efficiently catalyze a wide range of olefin epoxidations under mild experimental conditions in the presence of meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). Olefin epoxidation by these catalysts is proposed to involve the multiple active oxidants Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R. Evidence in support of this interpretation has been derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, H₂¹⁸O‐exchange experiments, and the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe. Moreover, it has been observed that the participation of Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R can be controlled by changing the substrate concentration. This mechanism provides the greatest congruity with related oxidation reactions that employ certain Mn complexes as catalysts.     

Assisted Self-Assembly to Target Heterometallic Mn-Nd and Mn-Sm SMMs: Synthesis and Magnetic Characterisation of [Mn7Ln3(O)4(OH)4(mdea)3(piv)9(NO3)3] (Ln=Nd,Sm, Eu,Gd)**

In an assisted self-assembly approach starting from the [Mn₆O₂(piv)₁₀(4-Me-py)₂(pivH)₂] cluster a family of Mn−Ln compounds (Ln=Pr−Yb) was synthesised. The reaction of [Mn₆O₂(piv)₁₀(4-Me-py)₂(pivH)₂] ( 1 ) with N-methyldiethanolamine (mdeaH₂) and Ln(NO₃)₃ ⋅ 6H₂O in MeCN generally yields two main structure types: for Ln=Tb−Yb a previously reported Mn₅Ln₄ motif is obtained, whereas for Ln=Pr−Eu a series of Mn₇Ln₃ clusters is obtained. Within this series the Gd^III analogue represents a special case because it shows both structural types as well as a third Mn₂Ln₂ inverse butterfly motif. Variation in reaction conditions allows access to different structure types across the whole series. This prompts further studies into the reaction mechanism of this cluster assisted self-assembly approach. For the Mn₇Ln₃ analogues reported here variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that antiferromagnetic interactions between the spin carriers are dominant. Compounds incorporating Ln=Nd^III( 2 ), Sm^III( 3 ) and Gd^III ( 5 ) display SMM behaviour. The slow relaxation of the magnetisation for these compounds was confirmed by ac measurements above 1.8 K.     

Manganese(III)-carboxylate binding: Chemistry and structure of a hydrated pyridinedicarboxylate

The reaction of Mn(CH₃COO)₃ 2H₂O with the carboxyl-rich ligand pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H₂L) in methanol affords a high-spin (S = 2) hydratedbis-complex. Structure determination has revealed the solid to be [Mn^III(H₂ L)(L)] [Mn^IIIL₂] 5H₂ O: space group P−1;Z = 2;a = 7.527(3)?³,b= 14.260(4)?,c = 16.080(6)?,α = 91.08(3)°,β = 103.58(3)°,γ= 105.41(3)° andV= 1611.2(10)?³. Each ligand is planar and is bonded in the tridentate O₂N fashion. The MnO₄N₂ coordination spheres show large distortions from octahedral symmetry. The lattice is stabilised by an extensive network of O…O hydrogen-bonding involving water molecules and carboxyl functions. Upon dissolution in water, protic redistribution occurs and the complex acts as the mono-basic acid Mn(HL)(L) (pK, 4.3 ±0.05). The deprotonated complex displays high metal reduction potentials: Mn^IVL₂-Mn^IIIL ₂ ⁻ , 1.05V; Mn^IIIL ₂ ⁻ Mn^IIL ₂ ²⁻ -, 0.28V vs. SCE