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

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

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

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

Synthesis and characterization of several dicopper(I) complexes and a spin-delocalized dicopper(I,II) mixed-valence complex using a 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligand

The synthesis of dicopper(I) complexes [Cu2(BBAN)(MeCN)2](OTf)2 (1), [Cu2(BBAN)(py)2](OTf)2 (2), [Cu2(BBAN)(1-Me-BzIm)2](OTf)2 (3), [Cu2(BBAN)(1-Me-Im)2](OTf)2 (4), and [Cu2(BBAN)(mu-O2CCPh3)](OTf) (5), where BBAN = 2,7-bis((dibenzylamino)methyl)-1,8-naphthyridine, py = pyridine, 1-Me-Im = 1-methylimidazole, and 1-Me-BzIm = 1-methylbenzimidazole, are described. Short copper-copper distances ranging from 2.6151(6) to 2.7325(5) A were observed in the solid-state structures of these complexes depending on the terminal ligands used. The cyclic voltammogram of compound 5 dissolved in THF exhibited a reversible redox wave at E1/2 = -25 mV vs Cp2Fe+/Cp2Fe. When complex 5 was treated with 1 equiv of silver(I) triflate, a mixed-valence dicopper(I,II) complex [Cu2(BBAN)(mu-O2CCPh3)(OTf)](OTf) (6) was prepared. A short copper-copper distance of 2.4493(14) A observed from the solid-state structure indicates the presence of a copper-copper interaction. Variable-temperature EPR studies showed that complex 6 has a fully delocalized electronic structure in frozen 2-methyltetrahydrofuran solution down to liquid helium temperature. The presence of anionic ligands seems to be an important factor to stabilize the mixed-valence dicopper(I,II) state. Compounds 1-4 with neutral nitrogen-donor terminal ligands cannot be oxidized to the mixed-valence analogues either chemically or electrochemically.     

Synthesis and characterization of diiron ethanedithiolate complexes with monosubstituted phosphine ligands

Reactions of (μ-edt)Fe₂(CO)₆ (edt = SCH₂CH₂S) (1) with the monophosphine ligands Ph₂PCH₂Ph, Ph₂PC₆H₁₁, Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₃, or P(2-C₄H₃O)₃ in the presence of Me₃NO?2H₂O afforded (μ-edt)Fe₂(CO)₅L [L = Ph₂PCH₂Ph, 2; Ph₂PC₆H₁₁, 3; Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₃, 4; P(2-C₄H₃O)₃, 5] in 70–88% yields. Complexes 2–5 were characterized by spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The phosphorus of 2–5 is in an apical position of the distorted octahedral geometry of iron.     

Synthetic and structural studies of the diiron toluenedithiolate carbonyl complexes with monophosphine ligands

Four diiron toluenedithiolate complexes 2–5 with monophosphine ligands are reported. Treatment of [μ-SC₆H₃(CH₃)S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₆ (1) with tris(3-chlorophenyl)phosphine, tris(4-chlorophenyl)phosphine, tris(4-methylphenyl)phosphine or 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde, and Me₃NO?2H₂O in MeCN resulted in the formation of [μ-SC₆H₃(CH₃)S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅[P(3-C₆H₄Cl)₃] (2), [μ-SC₆H₃(CH₃)S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅[P(4-C₆H₄Cl)₃] (3), [μ-SC₆H₃(CH₃)S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅[P(4-C₆H₄CH₃)₃] (4), and [μ-SC₆H₃(CH₃)S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅[Ph₂P(2-C₆H₄CHO)] (5) in 64–82% yields. Complexes 2–5 have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P{¹H} NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR and further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structures show that 2–5 contain a butterfly diiron toluenedithiolate cluster coordinated by five terminal carbonyls and an apical monophosphine.     

Synthesis,characterization, and electrochemical properties of diiron azadithiolate complexes related to the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases

Treatment of [(μ-SCH₂)₂NPh]Fe₂(CO)₆ (A) with PPh₃ or PPh₂H in the presence of the decarbonylating agent Me₃NO·2H₂O afforded complexes [(μ-SCH₂)₂NPh]Fe₂(CO)₅(PPh₃) (1) and [(μ-SCH₂)₂NPh]Fe₂(CO)₅(PPh₂H) (2) in 87% and 74% yields, respectively. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were further determined by X-ray crystallography. In both cases, the monophosphine ligand resides in an axial position of the square-pyramidal Fe atom and trans to the benzene ring of the azadithiolate ligand, in order to minimize steric repulsion. On the basis of electrochemical studies, all these complexes were found to catalyze proton reduction to H₂ in the presence of acetic acid.     

Synthesis and characterization of two binuclear iron(III) complexes of aminoethanol derivatives of aminophenol as models for non-heme iron enzymes active sites

Two aminoethanol derivatives of aminophenol ligands were synthesized and characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The binuclear iron(III) complexes of these ligands have been prepared and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques, cyclic voltammetry, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility studies. X-ray analysis revealed binuclear complexes, Fe₂(L₂), in which Fe(III) centers are surrounded by two phenolate and hydroxyl oxygen atoms, and amine nitrogens of the ligands. The metal active sites of both complexes are held together by the two above mentioned hydroxyl bridges. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility indicates antiferromagnetic coupling between the iron centers of both complexes. This exchange coupling is stronger for Fe₂(L^ae)₂, such that it shows a room temperature strong coupling between the two iron centers. The investigated complexes undergo irreversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of phenyl-functionalized diiron propanedithiolate complexes with bidentate phosphine ligands

Carbonyl substitution reactions of [μ-(SCH₂)₂CHC₆H₅]Fe₂(CO)₆ with bidentate phosphine ligands, cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethylene (cis-dppv) and N,N-bis(diphenylphosphine)propylamine [(Ph₂P)₂N-Pr-n], yielded an asymmetrically substituted chelated complex [(μ-SCH₂)₂CHC₆H₅]Fe₂(CO)₄(k ²-dppv) and a symmetrically substituted bridging complex [(μ-SCH₂)₂CHC₆H₅]Fe₂(CO)₄[μ-(PPh₂)₂N-Pr-n] under different reaction conditions. Both complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and by X-ray crystallography. Their electrochemical behaviors were observed by cyclic voltammetry, and the catalytic electrochemical reduction of protons from acetic or trifluoroacetic acid to give dihydrogen mediated by complex [(μ-SCH₂)₂CHC₆H₅]Fe₂(CO)₄(k ²-dppv) was investigated.     

Functional mimic of dioxygen-activating centers in non-heme diiron enzymes: mechanistic implications of paramagnetic intermediates in the reactions between diiron(II) complexes and dioxygen

Two tetracarboxylate diiron(II) complexes, [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)] (1a) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)(4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N)(2)] (2a), where Ar(Tol)CO(2)(-) = 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate, react with O(2) in CH(2)Cl(2) at -78 degrees C to afford dark green intermediates 1b (lambda(max) congruent with 660 nm; epsilon = 1600 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 2b (lambda(max) congruent with 670 nm; epsilon = 1700 M(-1) cm(-1)), respectively. Upon warming to room temperature, the solutions turn yellow, ultimately converting to isolable diiron(III) compounds [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (L = C(5)H(5)N (1c), 4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N (2c)). EPR and M?ssbauer spectroscopic studies revealed the presence of equimolar amounts of valence-delocalized Fe(II)Fe(III) and valence-trapped Fe(III)Fe(IV) species as major components of solution 2b. The spectroscopic and reactivity properties of the Fe(III)Fe(IV) species are similar to those of the intermediate X in the RNR-R2 catalytic cycle. EPR kinetic studies revealed that the processes leading to the formation of these two distinctive paramagnetic components are coupled to one another. A mechanism for this reaction is proposed and compared with those of other synthetic and biological systems, in which electron transfer occurs from a low-valent starting material to putative high-valent dioxygen adduct(s).     

Synthesis,structures and electrochemical properties of hydroxyl- and pyridyl-functionalized diiron azadithiolate complexes

The hydroxyl- and pyridyl-functionalized diiron azadithiolate complexes [{(μ-SCH₂)₂N(CH₂CH₂OH)}Fe₂(CO)₆] (1) and [{(μ-SCH₂)₂N(CH₂CH₂OOCPy)}Fe₂(CO)₆] (Py = pyridyl) (2) were prepared as biomimetic models of the active site of Fe-only hydrogenases. Both complexes were characterized by MS, IR, ¹H NMR spectra and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. A network is constructed by intermolecular H-bonds in the crystals of 1. An S?O intermolecular contact was found in the crystals of 2, which is scarcely found for organometallic complexes. Cyclic voltammograms of 1 and 2 were studied to evaluate their redox properties.     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of tetrathiafulvalene derivatives (TTFs) as redox active ligands

A simple route for synthesis of new tetrathiafulvalene dimethyl ester (TTF‐DME) is reported. The tetrathifulvalene dimethylester (TTF‐DME) has been prepared by introducing an ester coordination function as a bifunctional new donor. The redox behavior of the TTF‐DME was investigated in comparison to the well‐known dibenzotetrathiafulvene (DB‐TTF) by cyclic voltammetry. A two‐electron redox behavior was observed as a two waves.     

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

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

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of heterobinuclear zinc and molybdenum mononitrosyl complexes linked by Schiff base ligands

The reaction of 1 mol equivalent of MoCl₂(NO)T^* _p [T^* _p = tris(3,5 dimethylpyrazolyl)borate] with one mole equivalent of the zinc Schiff base complexes obtained from the condensation of 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde and a series of , diamines [NH₂(CH₂) _n NH₂, n = 2–4] is described, together with the i.r.; u.v.–vis. and ¹H-n.m.r. spectroscopic properties of these products. Cyclic voltammetric data in CH₂Cl₂ reveal that the binuclear complex products undergo reversible one-electron reductions associated with the MoCl(NO)T^* _p centre. No zinc-based redox processes in the new complexes could be detected on the cyclic voltammetry timescale. The behaviour of the MoCl(NO)T^* _p centre in DMSO indicates that the complexes undergo irreversible reductions at anodically shifted potentials (in comparison with the reduction of binuclear complexes in CH₂Cl₂), indicating that reductions of the binuclear complexes are solvent dependent.     

Protonation, electrochemical properties and molecular structures of halogen-functionalized diiron azadithiolate complexes related to the active site of iron-only hydrogenases

Diiron complexes [{(micro-SCH2)2NCH2C6H4X}{Fe(CO)2L}2] (L = CO, X = 2-Br, 1; 2-F, 2; 3-Br, 3; L = PMe(3), X = 2-Br, 4) were prepared as biomimetic models of the iron-only hydrogenase active site. The N-protonated species [(NH)]+ClO(4)(-), [(NH)](+)ClO(4)(-) and the micro-hydride diiron complex [4(FeHFe)]+PF(6)(-) were obtained in the presence of proton acids and well characterized. The protonation process of 4 was studied by in-situ IR and NMR spectroscopy, which suggests the formation of the diprotonated species [4(NH)(FeHFe)](2+) in the presence of an excess of proton acid. The molecular structures of 1, [(NH)]+ClO(4)(-), 4 and [4(FeHFe)]+PF(6)(-) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that an intramolecular H...Br contact (2.82 A) in the crystalline state of [1(NH)]+ClO(4)(-). In the presence of 1-6 equiv of the stronger acid HOTf, complex 1 is readily protonated on the bridged-N atom and can electrochemically catalyze the proton reduction at a relatively mild potential (ca.-1.0 V). Complex 4 is also electrocatalytic active at -1.4 V in the presence of HOTf with formation of the micro-hydride diiron species.     

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

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

Synthesis,structures, and electrochemistry of diiron toluene-3,4-dithiolate complexes containing phosphine ligands

Transition Metal Chemistry - In this paper, four diiron toluene-3,4-dithiolate complexes with phosphine ligands were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of complex...     

Synthesis and structural characterization of diiron azadithiolate complexes relevant to the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenases

Two N-functionally substituted diiron azadithiolate complexes, [(µ-SCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂OC(O)C₆H₄I-p]Fe₂(CO)₆ (1) and {[(µ-SCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂OC(O)C₆H₄I-p]Fe₂(CO)₅Ph₂PCH}₂ (2) as models for the active site of [FeFe] hydrogenases, have been prepared and fully characterized. Complex 1 was prepared by the reaction of [(µ-SCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂OH]Fe₂(CO)₆ with p-iodobenzoic acid in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in 78% yield. Further treatment of 1 with 1 equiv. of Me₃NO?·?2H₂O followed by 0.5 equiv. of trans-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene (dppe) affords 2 in 60% yield. The new complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by IR and ¹H (¹³C, ³¹P) NMR spectroscopic techniques and their molecular structures were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structure of 1 has two conformational isomers, in one isomer its N-functional substituent is axial to its bridged nitrogen and in the other isomer its N-functional substituent is equatorial. The crystal structure of 2 revealed that its N-functional substituents are equatorial to its nitrogens and dppe occupies the two apical positions of the square-pyramidal irons.     

Sterically hindered carboxylate ligands support water-bridged dimetallic centers that model features of metallohydrolase active sites

The synthesis and characterization of carboxylate-bridged dimetallic complexes are described. By using m-terphenyl-derived carboxylate ligands, a series of dicobalt(II), dicobalt(III), dinickel(II), and dizinc(II) complexes were synthesized. The compounds are [Co(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (1), [Co(2)(mu-OH(2))(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (2a-c), [Co(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (3), [Ni(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)L(2)] (4), [Ni(2)(mu-HO...H)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (5), and [Zn(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (6), where Ar(Tol)CO(2)H = 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoic acid and L = pyridine, THF, or N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine. Structural analysis of these complexes revealed that additional bridging ligands can be readily accommodated within the [M(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)](2+) core, allowing a wide distribution of M...M distances from 2.5745(6) to 4.0169(9) A. Unprecedented bridging units [M(2)(mu-OH(2))(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(2)](n+) and [M(2)(mu-HO...H)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(2)](n+) were identified in 2a-c and 5, respectively, in which strong hydrogen bonding accommodates shifts of protons from bridging water molecules toward the dangling oxygen atoms of terminal monodentate carboxylate groups. Such a proton shift along the O...H...O coordinate attenuates the donor ability of the anionic carboxylate ligand, which can translate into increased Lewis acidity at the metal centers. Such double activation of bridging water molecules by a Lewis acidic metal center and a metal-bound general base may facilitate the reactivity of metallohydrolases such as methionine aminopeptidase (MAP).