A density functional study of oxygen atom transfer reactions between biological oxygen atom donors and molybdenum(IV) bis(dithiolene) complexes

Density functional calculations have been used to investigate oxygen atom transfer reactions from the biological oxygen atom donors trimethylamine N-oxide (Me(3)NO) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the molybdenum(IV) complexes [MoO(mnt)(2)](2-) and [Mo(OCH(3))(mnt)(2)](-) (mnt = maleonitrile-1,2-dithiolate), which may serve as models for mononuclear molybdenum enzymes of the DMSO reductase family. The reaction between [MoO(mnt)(2)](2-) and trimethylamine N-oxide was found to have an activation energy of 72 kJ/mol and proceed via a transition state (TS) with distorted octahedral geometry, where the Me(3)NO is bound through the oxygen to the molybdenum atom and the N-O bond is considerably weakened. The computational modeling of the reactions between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and [MoO(mnt)(2)](2-) or [Mo(OCH(3))(mnt)(2)](-) indicated that the former is energetically unfavorable while the latter was found to be favorable. The addition of a methyl group to [MoO(mnt)(2)](2-) to form the corresponding des-oxo complex not only lowers the relative energy of the products but also lowers the activation energy. In addition, the reaction with [Mo(OCH(3))(mnt)(2)](-) proceeds via a TS with trigonal prismatic geometry instead of the distorted octahedral TS geometry modeled for the reaction between [MoO(mnt)(2)](2-) and Me(3)NO.     

Reaction systems related to dissimilatory nitrate reductase: nitrate reduction mediated by bis(dithiolene)tungsten complexes

Kinetics of the oxygen atom transfer reactions [M(IV)(QC6H2-2,4,6-Pr(i)3)(S2C2Me2)2]1- + XO --> [M(VI)O(QC6H2-2,4,6-Pr(i)3)(S2C2Me2)2]1- + X in acetonitrile with substrates XO = NO3- and (CH2)4SO have been determined. The reactants are bis(dithiolene) complexes with M = Mo, W and sterically encumbered axial ligands with Q = O, S to stabilize mononuclear square pyramidal structures. The complex [MoIV(SC6H2-2,4,6-Pr(i)3)(S2C2Me2)2]1- is an analogue of the active site of dissimilatory nitrate reductase which in the reduced state contains a molybdenum atom bound by two pyranopterindithiolene ligands and a cysteinate residue. Nitrate reduction was studied with tungsten complexes because of unfavorable stability properties of the molybdenum complexes. Product nitrite was detected by a colorimetric method. All reactions with both substrates are second-order with associative transition states (deltaS approximately -20 eu). Variation of atoms M and Q, together with data from prior work, allows certain kinetics comparisons to be made. Among them, k2W/k2Mo = 25 for (CH2)4SO reduction (Q = S), an expression of the kinetic metal effect. Further, k2S/k2O = 28 and approximately 10(4) for nitrate and (CH2)4SO reduction, respectively, effects attributed to relatively more steric congestion in achieving the transition state with hindered phenolate vs thiolate ligands. The effect is more pronounced with the larger substrate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of tungsten-mediated nitrate reduction by direct atom transfer using molecules with both axial thiolate and phenolate ligands. Complexes of the type [M(IV)(OR)(S2C2Me2)2] are capable of reducing biological N-oxide, S-oxide, and nitrate substrates and thus constitute functional analogue reaction systems of enzymic transformations.     

Comparative kinetics and mechanism of oxygen and sulfur atom transfer reactions mediated by bis(dithiolene) complexes of molybdenum and tungsten

Although the kinetics and mechanism of metal-mediated oxygen atom (oxo) transfer reactions have been examined in some detail, sulfur atom (sulfido) transfer reactions have not been similarly scrutinized. The reactions [M(IV)(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-) + Ph(3)AsQ --> [M(VI)Q(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-) + Ph(3)As (M = Mo, W; Q = O, S) with variable substituent X' have been investigated in acetonitrile in order to determine the relative rates of oxo versus sulfido transfer at constant structure (square pyramidal) of the atom acceptor and of atom transfer at constant structure of the atom donor and metal variability of the atom acceptor. All reactions exhibit second-order kinetics and entropies of activation (-25 to -45 eu) consistent with an associative transition state. At parity of atom acceptor, k(2)(S) (0.25-0.75 M(-1)s(-1)) > k(2)(O) (0.023-0.060 M(-1)s(-1)) with M = Mo and k(2)(S) (4.1-66.7 M(-1)s(-1)) > k(2)(O) (1.8-9.8 M(-1)s(-1)) with M = W. At constant atom donor and X', k(2)(W) > k(2)(Mo) with reactivity ratios k(2)(W)/k(2)(Mo) = 78-184 (Q = O) and 16-89 (Q = S). Rate constants refer to 298 K. At constant M and Q, rates increase in the order X' = Me less, similar OMe < H < Br < COMe < CN; increasing electron-withdrawing propensity accelerates reaction rates. The probable transition state involves significant Ph(3)AsQ...M bond-making (X' rate trend) and concomitant As-Q bond weakening (bond energy order As-O > As-S). Orders of oxo and sulfido donor ability of substrates and complexes are deduced on the basis of qualitative reactivity properties determined here and elsewhere. This work complements previous studies of the reaction systems [M(IV)(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-)/XO where the substrates are N-oxides and S-oxides and k(2)(W) > k(2)(Mo) at constant substrate also applies. The reaction order of substrates is Me(3)NO > (CH(2))(4)SO > Ph(3)AsS > Ph(3)AsO. This research provides the first quantitative information of metal-mediated sulfido transfer.     

Bis(dithiolene)molybdenum analogues relevant to the DMSO reductase enzyme family: synthesis, structures, and oxygen atom transfer reactions and kinetics.

A series of dithiolene complexes of the general type [Mo(IV)(QR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-) has been prepared and structurally characterized as possible structural and reactivity analogues of reduced sites of the enzymes DMSOR and TMAOR (QR' = PhO(-), 2-AdO(-), Pr(i)()O(-)), dissimilatory nitrate reductase (QR' = 2-AdS(-)), and formate dehydrogenase (QR' = 2-AdSe(-)). The complexes are square pyramidal with the molybdenum atom positioned 0.74-0.80 A above the S(4) mean plane toward axial ligand QR'. In part on the basis of a recent clarification of the active site of oxidized Rhodobacter sphaeroides DMSOR (Li, H.-K.; Temple, C.; Rajagopalan, K. V.; Schindelin, H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 7673), we have adopted the minimal reaction paradigm Mo(IV) + XO right arrow over left arrow Mo(VI)O + X involving desoxo Mo(IV), monooxo Mo(VI), and substrate/product XO/X for direct oxygen atom transfer of DMSOR and TMAOR enzymes. The [Mo(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-) species carry dithiolene and anionic oxygen ligands intended to simulate cofactor ligand and serinate binding in DMSOR and TMAOR catalytic sites. In systems with N-oxide and S-oxide substrates, the observed overall reaction sequence is [Mo(IV)(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-) + XO --> [Mo(VI)O(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-) --> [Mo(V)O(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-). Direct oxo transfer in the first step has been proven by isotope labeling. The reactivity of [Mo(OPh)(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-) (1) has been the most extensively studied. In second-order reactions, 1 reduces DMSO and (CH(2))(4)SO (k(2) approximately 10(-)(6), 10(-)(4) M(-)(1) s(-)(1); DeltaS(double dagger) = -36, -39 eu) and Me(3)NO (k(2) = 200 M(-)(1) s(-)(1); DeltaS(double dagger) = -21 eu) in acetonitrile at 298 K. Activation entropies indicate an associative transition state, which from relative rates and substrate properties is inferred to be concerted with X-O bond weakening and Mo-O bond making. The Mo(VI)O product in the first step, such as [Mo(VI)O(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-), is an intermediate in the overall reaction sequence, inasmuch as it is too unstable to isolate and decays by an internal redox process to a Mo(V)O product, liberating an equimolar quantity of phenol. This research affords the first analogue reaction systems of biological N-oxide and S-oxide substrates that are based on desoxo Mo(IV) complexes with biologically relevant coordination. Oxo-transfer reactions in analogue systems are substantially slower than enzyme systems based on a k(cat)/K(M) criterion. An interpretation of this behavior requires more information on the rate-limiting step(s) in enzyme catalytic cycles. (2-Ad = 2-adamantyl, DMSOR = dimethyl sulfoxide reductase, TMAOR = trimethylamine N-oxide reductase)     

Electronic control of the "Bailar twist" in formally d0-d2 molybdenum tris(dithiolene) complexes: a sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory study

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to determine the electronic structures of a series of Mo tris(dithiolene) complexes, [Mo(mdt)3](z) (where mdt = 1,2-dimethylethene-1,2-dithiolate(2-) and z = 2-, 1-, 0), with near trigonal-prismatic geometries (D3h symmetry). These results show that the formally Mo(IV), Mo(V), and Mo(VI) complexes actually have a (dz(2))(2) configuration, that is, remain effectively Mo(IV) despite oxidation. Comparisons with the XAS data of another set of Mo tris(dithiolene) complexes, [Mo(tbbdt)3](z) (where tbbdt = 3,5-ditert-butylbenzene-1,2-dithiolate(2-) and z = 1-, 0), show that both neutral complexes, [Mo(mdt)3] and [Mo(tbbdt)3], have similar electronic structures while the monoanions do not. Calculations reveal that the "Bailar twist" present in the crystal structure of [Mo(tbbdt)3](1-) (D3 symmetry) but not [Mo(mdt)3](1-) (D3h symmetry) is controlled by electronic factors which arise from bonding differences between the mdt and tbbdt ligands. In the former, configuration interaction between the Mo d(z(2)) and a deeper energy, occupied ligand orbital, which occurs in D3 symmetry, destabilizes the Mo d(z(2)) to above another ligand orbital which is half-occupied in the D3h [Mo(mdt)3](1-) complex. This leads to a metal d(1) configuration with no ligand holes (i.e., d(1)[L3](0h)) for [Mo(tbbdt)3](1-) rather than the metal d(2) configuration with one ligand hole (i.e., d(2)[L3](1h)) for [Mo(mdt)3](1-). Thus, the Bailar twist observed in some metal tris(dithiolene) complexes is the result of configuration interaction between metal and ligand orbitals and can be probed experimentally by S K-edge XAS.     

Oxo transfer reactions mediated by bis(dithiolene)tungsten analogues of the active sites of molybdoenzymes in the DMSO reductase family: comparative reactivity of tungsten and molybdenum.

The discovery of tungsten enzymes and molybdenum/tungsten isoenzymes, in which the mononuclear catalytic sites contain a metal chelated by one or two pterin-dithiolene cofactor ligands, has lent new significance to tungsten-dithiolene chemistry. Reaction of [W(CO)(2)(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)] with RO(-) affords a series of square pyramidal desoxo complexes [W(IV)(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-), including R' = Ph (1) and Pr(i)() (3). Reaction of 1 and 3 with Me(3)NO gives the cis-octahedral complexes [W(VI)O(OR')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1)(-), including R' = Ph (6) and Pr(i)() (8). These W(IV,VI) complexes are considered unconstrained versions of protein-bound sites of DMSOR and TMAOR (DMSOR = dimethylsulfoxide reductase, TMAOR = trimethylamine N-oxide reductase) members of the title enzyme family. The structure of 6 and the catalytic center of one DMSO reductase isoenzyme have similar overall stereochemistry and comparable bond lengths. The minimal oxo transfer reaction paradigm thought to apply to enzymes, W(IV) + XO --> W(VI)O + X, has been investigated. Direct oxo transfer was demonstrated by isotope transfer from Ph(2)Se(18)O. Complex 1 reacts cleanly and completely with various substrates XO to afford 6 and product X in second-order reactions with associative transition states. The substrate reactivity order with 1 is Me(3)NO > Ph(3)AsO > pyO (pyridine N-oxide) > R(2)SO > Ph(3)PO. For reaction of 3 with Me(3)NO, k(2) = 0.93 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), and for 1 with Me(2)SO, k(2) = 3.9 x 10(-)(5) M(-)(1) s(-)(1); other rate constants and activation parameters are reported. These results demonstrate that bis(dithiolene)W(IV) complexes are competent to reduce both N-oxides and S-oxides; DMSORs reduce both substrate types, but TMAORs are reported to reduce only N-oxides. Comparison of k(cat)/K(M) data for isoenzymes and k(2) values for isostructural analogue complexes reveals that catalytic and stoichiometric oxo transfer, respectively, from substrate to metal is faster with tungsten and from metal to substrate is faster with molybdenum. These results constitute a kinetic metal effect in direct oxo transfer reactions for analogue complexes and for isoenzymes provided the catalytic sites are isostructural. The nature of the transition state in oxo transfer reactions of analogues is tentatively considered. This research presents the first kinetics study of substrate reduction via oxo transfer mediated by bis(dithiolene)tungsten complexes.     

Analogue reaction systems of selenate reductase

Analogue reaction systems of selenate reductase, which reduces substrate in the overall enzymatic reaction SeO4(2-) + 2H+ + 2e- --> SeO3(2-) + H2O, have been developed using bis(dithiolene) complexes of Mo(IV) and W(IV). On the basis of the results of EXAFS analysis of the oxidized and reduced enzyme, the minimal reaction Mo(IV)OH + SeO4(2-) --> Mo(VI)O(OH) + SeO3(2-) is probable. The square pyramidal complexes [M(OMe)(S2C2Me2)2](1-) (M = Mo, W) were prepared as structural analogues of the reduced enzyme site. The systems, [ML(S2C2Me2)2](1-)/SeO4(2-) (L = OMe, OPh, SC6H2-2,4,6-Pr(i)3) in acetonitrile, cleanly reduce selenate to selenite in second-order reactions whose negative entropies of activation implicate associative transition states. Rate constants at 298 K are in the 10(-2)-10(-4) M(-1) s(-1) range with DeltaS++ = -12 to -34 eu. When rate constants are compared with previous data for the reduction of (CH2)4SO, Ph3AsO, and nitrate by oxygen atom transfer, reactivity trends dependent on the metal, axial ligand L, and substrate are identified. As in all other cases of substrate reduction by oxo transfer, the kinetic metal effect k(2)W > k(2)Mo holds. A proposal from primary sequence alignments suggesting that a conserved Asp residue is a likely ligand in the type II enzymes in the DMSO reductase family has been pursued by synthesis of the [Mo(IV)(O2CR)(S2C2Me2)2](1-) (R = Ph, Bu(t)) complexes. The species display symmetrical eta2-carboxylate binding and distorted trigonal prismatic stereochemistry. They serve as possible structural analogues of the reduced sites of nitrate, selenate, and perchlorate reductases under the proposed aspartate coordination. Carboxylate binding has been crystallographically demonstrated for one nitrate reductase, but not for the other two enzymes.     

O-atom-transfer oxidation of [molybdenum(IV) oxo{3,6-(acylamino)2- 1,2-benzenedithiolato}2]2- promoted by intramolecular NH...S hydrogen bonds

Novel molybdenum dithiolene compounds having neighboring amide groups as models for molybdoenzymes, (NEt(4))(2)[Mo(IV)O{1,2-S(2)-3,6-(RCONH)(2)C(6)H(2)}(2)] (R = CH(3), CF(3), t-Bu, Ph(3)C), were designed and synthesized. The contributions of the NH...S hydrogen bond to the electrochemical properties of the metal ion and the reactivity of the O-atom-transfer reaction were investigated by a comparison with [Mo(IV)O(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4))(2)](2)(-). The MoOS(4) core of [Mo(IV)O{1,2-S(2)-3,6-(CH(3)CONH)(2)C(6)H(2)}(2)](2)(-) shows no significant geometrical difference from that of [Mo(IV)O(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4))(2)](2)(-) in the crystal. The hydrogen bonds positively shifted the Mo(IV/V) redox potential and accelerated the reduction of Me(3)NO.     

Theoretical study of oxidation of cyclohexane diol to adipic anhydride by [Ru(IV)(O)(tpa)(H2O)]2+ complex (tpa ═ tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine)

The catalytic conversion of 1,2-cyclohexanediol to adipic anhydride by Ru(IV)O(tpa) (tpa ═ tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) is discussed using density functional theory calculations. The whole reaction is divided into three steps: (1) formation of α-hydroxy cyclohexanone by dehydrogenation of cyclohexanediol, (2) formation of 1,2-cyclohexanedione by dehydrogenation of α-hydroxy cyclohexanone, and (3) formation of adipic anhydride by oxygenation of cyclohexanedione. In each step the two-electron oxidation is performed by Ru(IV)O(tpa) active species, which is reduced to bis-aqua Ru(II)(tpa) complex. The Ru(II) complex is reactivated using Ce(IV) and water as an oxygen source. There are two different pathways of the first two steps of the conversion depending on whether the direct H-atom abstraction occurs on a C-H bond or on its adjacent oxygen O-H. In the first step, the C-H (O-H) bond dissociation occurs in TS1 (TS2-1) with an activation barrier of 21.4 (21.6) kcal/mol, which is followed by abstraction of another hydrogen with the spin transition in both pathways. The second process also bifurcates into two reaction pathways. TS3 (TS4-1) is leading to dissociation of the C-H (O-H) bond, and the activation barrier of TS3 (TS4-1) is 20.2 (20.7) kcal/mol. In the third step, oxo ligand attack on the carbonyl carbon and hydrogen migration from the water ligand occur via TS5 with an activation barrier of 17.4 kcal/mol leading to a stable tetrahedral intermediate in a triplet state. However, the slightly higher energy singlet state of this tetrahedral intermediate is unstable; therefore, a spin crossover spontaneously transforms the tetrahedral intermediate into a dione complex by a hydrogen rebound and a C-C bond cleavage. Kinetic isotope effects (k(H)/k(D)) for the electronic processes of the C-H bond dissociations calculated to be 4.9-7.4 at 300 K are in good agreement with experiment values of 2.8-9.0.     

The nature and function of the catalytic centres of the DMSO reductases

Density functional theory calculations have been performed to probe aspects of the function of the reaction centres of the DMSO reductase enzymes, in respect of catalysis of oxygen atom transfer (OAT). The first comparison between Mo and W at the active site of these enzymes has been accomplished by a consideration of the reaction profile for OAT from DMSO to [MoIV(OMe)(S2C2H2)2]1- versus that for the corresponding reaction with [WIV(OMe)(S2C2H2)2]1-. Both reaction profiles involve two transition states separated by a well-defined intermediate; however, whilst the second transition state (TS2) is clearly rate-limiting for the Mo system, the two transition states have a similar energy for the W system. The activation energy for OAT from DMSO to [WIV(OMe)(S2C2H2)2]1- is ca. 23 kJ mol-1 lower for the corresponding reaction with Mo, consistent with the significantly faster rate of reduction of DMSO by Rhodobacter capsulatus W-DMSO reductase than by its Mo counterpart. Consistent with the principle of the entatic state, the geometrical constraints imposed by the protein on the metal centre of the Mo- and W-DMSO reductases facilitate OAT by favouring a trigonal prismatic geometry for the transition state TS2 that is close to that observed for the metal in the oxidised form of each of these enzymes. The effects of different tautomers of a simplified form of the pyran ring-opened, dihydropterin state of the molybdopterin cofactor on the reaction profile for OAT have been considered. The major effect, a significant lowering of the activation barrier associated with TS2, is observed for a protonated form of a tautomer that involves conjugation between the pyrazine and metallodithiolene rings.     

Oxo/sulfidotungstate(VI) as precursors to W(VI)O2, W(VI)OS, and W(VI)S2 complexes and W(IV)-dithiolene chelate rings

Synthetic models leading to oxosulfidotungsten(VI) groups and dithiolene chelate rings have been investigated. The heterogeneous reaction systems [WO4-nSn]2-/2Ph3SiCl/Me4phen (n = 0-2) in acetonitrile afford the complexes [WQ2(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)] (1-3) in the indicated yields containing the groups W(VI)O2 (1; 86%), W(VI)O2 (2; 45%), and W(VI)S2 (3; 83%). In the crystalline state these complexes have imposed C2 symmetry, with cis-oxo/sulfido and trans-silyloxide ligands. 1H NMR spectra indicate that this stereochemistry is retained in solution. The colors of 2 (yellow, 367 nm) and 3 (orange, 451 nm) arise from LMCT absorptions at the indicated wavelengths. These results demonstrate that the silylation procedure previously introduced for the preparation of molecules with the Mo(VI)OS group (Thapper, et al. Inorg. Chem. 1999, 38, 4104) extends to tungsten. Methods for the formation of dithiolene chelate rings MS2C2R2 in reactions with sulfide-bound M = Mo or W precursors are summarized. In a known reaction type, 3 and activated acetylenes rapidly form [W(IV)(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)(S2C2R2)] (R = CO2Me, 4, 83%, and Ph, 5, 98%). In a new reaction type not requiring the isolation of an intermediate, the systems [MO2S2]2-/2Ph3SiCl/Me4phen/PhC=CPh in acetonitrile afford 5 (68%) and [Mo(IV)(OSiPh3)2(Me4phen)(S2C2Ph2)] (6; 61%). Complexes 5 and 6 are isostructural, maintain the trans-silyloxide stereochemistry, and exhibit chelate ring dimensions indicative of ene- 1,2-dithiolate coordination. Reductions in the -1.4 to -1.7 V range are described as metal-centered. It remains to be seen whether the oxo/sulfidotungsten(VI) groups in 1-3 eventuate in the active sites of tungstoenzymes. (Me4phen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline.)     

Molybdenum(VI) dioxo and oxo-imido complexes of fluorinated β-ketiminato ligands and their use in OAT reactions

Substitution of a methyl by a trifluoromethyl moiety in well-known β-ketimines afforded the ligands (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CF(3)) (HL(H), Ar = C(6)H(5); HL(Me), A r= 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3); HL(iPr), Ar = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). Subsequent complexation to the [MoO(2)](2+) core leads to the formation of novel complexes of general formula [MoO(2)(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 1; R = Me, 2; R = iPr, 3). For reasons of comparison the oxo-imido complex [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L(Me))(2)] (4) has also been synthesized. Complexes 1-4 were investigated in oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions using the substrate trimethylphosphine. The respective products after OAT, the reduced Mo(IV) complexes [MoO(PMe(3))(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 5; R = Me, 6; R = iPr, 7) and [Mo(N(t)Bu)(PMe(3))(L(Me))(2)] (8), were isolated. All complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and 1-4 also by cyclic voltammetry. A positive shift of the Mo(VI)-Mo(V) reduction wave upon fluorination was observed. Furthermore, molecular structures of complexes 2, 4, 5, and 8 have been determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 8 represents a rare example of a Mo(IV) phosphino-imido complex. Kinetic measurements by UV-vis spectroscopy of the OAT reactions from complexes 1-4 to PMe(3) showed them to be more efficient than previously reported nonfluorinated ones, with ligand L' = (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CH(3)) [MoO(2)(L')(2)] (9) and [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L')(2)] (10), respectively. Thermodynamic activation parameters ΔH(?) and ΔS(?) of the OAT reactions for complexes 2 and 4 have been determined. The activation enthalpy for the reaction employing 2 is significantly smaller (12.3 kJ/mol) compared to the reaction with the nonfluorinated complex 9 (60.8 kJ/mol). The change of the entropic term ΔS(?) is small. The reaction of the oxo-imido complex 4 to 8 revealed a significant electron-donating contribution of the imido substituent.     

Observation of an Unusual Molecular Switching Device. The Position of One 1,2-Dimethylimidazole Switched "On" or "Off" the Rotation of the Other 1,2-Dimethylimidazole in cis,cis,cis-Ru(II)Cl(2)(Me(2)SO)(2)(1,2-dimethylimidazole)(2)

Some cis,cis,cis-RuX(2)(Me(2)SO)(2)(1,2-Me(2)Im)L complexes [L = 1,2-Me(2)Im (1,2-dimethylimidazole) or Me(3)Bzm (1,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazole), X = Cl or Br, and Me(2)SO = S-bonded DMSO] have been synthesized and their rotamers studied in CDCl(3). From 2D NMR data, cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO)(2)(1,2-Me(2)Im)(Me(3)Bzm) has 1,2-Me(2)Im in position "a" (cis to both Me(2)SO's and cis to "b") and Me(3)Bzm in position "b" (trans to one Me(2)SO and cis to the other). There are two stable atropisomers [head-to-tail (HT, 84%) and head-to-head (HH, 16%), defining the aromatic H of Ru-N-C-H as head for both ligands]. Me(3)Bzm has the same orientation in both atropisomers. In this orientation, the unfavorable interligand steric interactions of Me(3)Bzm with the Me(2)SO and 1,2-Me(2)Im ligands appear to be countered by favorable electrostatic attraction between the delta+ N(2)CH moiety of Me(3)Bzm and the delta- cis Cl ligands. The 1,2-Me(2)Im lacks a delta+ N(2)CH group, and its orientation is dominated by steric effects of the 2-Me group. The NMR spectrum of cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO)(2)(1,2-Me(2)Im)(2) is consistent with four rotamers in restricted rotation about both Ru-N bonds: two HH and two HT. 2D NMR techniques (NOESY and ROESY) afforded complete proton signal assignments. The ligand disposition could be assessed from the large chemical shift dispersion of some 1,2-Me(2)Im ligand signals (Delta 0.86-1.52 ppm) arising from cis-1,2-Me(2)Im shielding modulated by deshielding influences of the cis halides. The relative stability of the four rotamers correlates best with steric interactions between the 2-Me groups and the Me(2)SO ligands. The most favorable conformer (46%) is the HH rotamer with both 2-Me groups pointing away from the Me(2)SO ligands. The least favorable conformer (14%) was also HH, but the methyl groups in this case point toward the Me(2)SO ligands. In the HT conformers of intermediate stability ( approximately 20%), one 2-Me group is toward and the other is away from the Me(2)SO ligands. The exchange cross-peaks in the 2D spectra are unusually informative about the dynamic processes in solution; the spectra provide evidence that the rotamers interchange in a definite pattern of succession. Thus, all conceivable exchange pathways are not available. 1,2-Me(2)Im "b" can rotate regardless of the orientation of 1,2-Me(2)Im "a". 1,2-Me(2)Im "a" can rotate only when "b" has the orientation with its 2-Me group directed away from "a". Thus, 1,2-Me(2)Im "b" can switch 1,2-Me(2)Im "a" rotation on or off.     

Nickel(II)-molybdenum(III)-cyanide clusters: synthesis and magnetic behavior of species incorporating [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)

The substitution of Mo(III) for Cr(III) in metal-cyanide clusters is demonstrated as an effective means of increasing the strength of the magnetic exchange coupling and introducing magnetic anisotropy. Synthesis of the octahedral complex [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] (Me(3)tacn = N,N',N"-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is accomplished with the addition of precisely 3 equiv of LiCN to a solution of [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CF(3)SO(3))(3)] in DMF. An excess of LiCN prompts formation of a seven-coordinate complex, [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(4)](1)(-), whereas less LiCN produces multinuclear species such as [(Me(3)tacn)(2)Mo(2)(CN)(5)](1+). In close parallel to reactions previously performed with [(Me(3)tacn)Cr(CN)(3)], assembly reactions between [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] and [Ni(H(2)O)(6)](2+) or [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) afford face-centered cubic [(Me(3)tacn)(8)Mo(8)Ni(6)(CN)(24)](12+) and linear [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) clusters, respectively. Generation of the former involves a thermally induced cyanide linkage isomerization, which rapidly leads to a low-spin form of the cluster containing diamagnetic Ni(II) centers. The cyclic voltammagram of this species in DMF reveals a sequence of six successive reduction waves spaced approximately 130 mV apart, suggesting class II mixed-valence behavior upon reduction. The magnetic properties of the aforementioned linear cluster are consistent with the expected ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 4 ground state, but otherwise vary slightly with the specific conformation adopted (as influenced by the packing of associated counteranions and solvate molecules in the crystal). Magnetization data indicate an axial zero-field splitting parameter with a magnitude falling in the range [D] = 0.44-0.72 cm(-1), and fits to the magnetic susceptibility data yield exchange coupling constants in the range J = 17.0-17.6 cm(-1). These values represent significant increases over those displayed by the analogous Cr(III)-containing cluster. When perchlorate is used as a counteranion, [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)NiMo(2)(CN)(6)](2+) crystallizes from water in a dimeric form with pairs of the linear clusters directly linked via hydrogen bonding. In this case, fitting the magnetic susceptibility data requires use of two coupling constants: one intramolecular with J = 14.9 cm(-1) and another intermolecular with J' = -1.9 cm(-1). Reacting [(Me(3)tacn)Mo(CN)(3)] with a large excess of [(cyclam)Ni(H(2)O)(2)](2+) produces a [(Me(3)tacn)(2)(cyclam)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Ni(3)Mo(2)(CN)(6)](6+) cluster possessing a zigzag structure that is a simple extension of the linear cluster geometry. Its magnetic behavior is consistent with weaker ferromagnetic coupling and an S = 6 ground state. Similar reactions employing an equimolar ratio of reactants afford related one-dimensional chains of formula [(Me(3)tacn)(cyclam)NiMo(CN)(3)](2+). Once again, the ensuing structure depends on the associated counteranions, and the magnetic behavior indicates ferromagnetic coupling. It is hoped that substitutions of the type exemplified here will be of utility in the design of new single-molecule magnets.     

Insights into the mechanism of O₂ formation and release from the Mn₄O₄L₆ "cubane" cluster

To probe photoinduced water oxidation catalyzed by the Mn?O?L? cubane clusters, we have computationally studied the mechanism and controlling factors of the O? formation from the [Mn?O?L?] catalyst, 6. It was demonstrated that dissociation of an L = H?PO?? ligand from 6 facilitates the direct O-O bond formation that proceeds with a 28.3 (33.4) kcal/mol rate-determining energy barrier at the transition state TS1. This step (the O-O single bond formation) of the reaction is a two-electron oxidation/reduction process, during which two oxo ligands are transformed into to μ2:η2-O?2? unit, and two ("distal") Mn centers are reduced from the 4+ to the 3+ oxidation state. Next two-electron oxidation/reduction occurs by "dancing" of the resulted O?2? fragment between the Mn1 and Mn2/Mn(2')-centers, keeping its strong coordination to the Mn(1')-center. As a result of this four-electron oxidation/reduction process Mn centers of the Mn?-core of I transform from {Mn1(III)-Mn(1')(III)-Mn2(IV)-Mn(2')(IV)} to {Mn1(II)-Mn(1')(II)-Mn2(III)-Mn(2')(III)} in IV. In other words, upon O? formation in cationic complex [Mn?O?L?](+), I, all four Mn-centers are reduced by one electron each. The overall reaction I → TS1 → II → III → TS2 → IV → TS3 → V → VI + O? is found to be exothermic by 15.4 (10.5) kcal/mol. We analyze the lowest spin states and geometries of all reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products of the targeted reaction.     

Functional analogue reaction systems of the DMSO reductase isoenzyme family: probable mechanism of S-oxide reduction in oxo transfer reactions mediated by bis(dithiolene)-tungsten(IV,VI) complexes

The recent development of structural and functional analogues of the DMSO reductase family of isoenzymes allows mechanistic examination of the minimal oxygen atom transfer paradigm M(IV) + QO M(VI) O + Q with the biological metals M = Mo and W. Systematic variation of the electronic environment at the WIV center of desoxo bis(dithiolene) complexes is enabled by introduction of para-substituted phenyl groups in the equatorial (eq) dithiolene ligand and the axial (ax) phenolate ligand. The compounds [W(CO)2(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2] (54-60%) have been prepared by ligand transfer from [Ni(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2] to [W(CO)3(MeCN)3]. A series of 25 complexes [W(IV)(OC6H4-p-X')(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2]1- ([X4,X'], X = Br, F, H, Me, OMe; X' = CN, Br, H, Me, NH2; 41-53%) has been obtained by ligand substitution of five dicarbonyl complexes with five phenolate ligands. Linear free energy relationships between E1/2 and Hammett constant p for the electron-transfer series [Ni(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2]0,1-,2- and [W(CO)2(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2]0,1-,2- demonstrate a substituent influence on electron density distribution at the metal center. The reactions [WIV(OC6H4-p-X')(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2]1- + (CH2)4SO [W(VI)O(OC6H4-p-X')(S2C2(C6H4-p-X)2)2]1- + (CH2)4S with constant substrate are second order with large negative activation entropies indicative of an associative transition state. Rate constants at 298 K adhere to the Hammett equations log(k([X4,X']/k[X4,H]) = rho(ax)sigma(p) and log(k[X4,X']/k([H4,X']) = 4rho(eq)sigma(p). Electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) and electron-donating groups (EDG) have opposite effects on the rate such that k(EWG) > k(EDG). The effects of X' on reactivity are found to be approximately 5 times greater than that of X (rho(ax) = 2.1, rho(eq) = 0.44) in the Hammett equation. Using these and other findings, a stepwise oxo transfer reaction pathway is proposed in which an early transition state, of primary W(IV)-O(substrate) bond-making character, is rate-limiting. This is followed by a six-coordinate substrate complex and a second transition state proposed to involve atom and electron transfer leading to the development of the W(VI)=O group. This work is the most detailed mechanistic investigation of oxo transfer mediated by a biological metal.     

Mechanistic investigation of the oxygen-atom-transfer reactivity of dioxo-molybdenum(VI) complexes

The oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) reactivity of [LiPrMoO2(OPh)] (1, LiPr=hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) with the tertiary phosphines PEt3 and PPh2Me in acetonitrile was investigated. The first step, [LiPrMoO2(OPh)]+PR3-->[LiPrMoO(OPh)(OPR3)], follows a second-order rate law with an associative transition state (PEt3, DeltaH not equal=48.4 (+/-1.9) kJ mol-1, DeltaS not equal=-149.2 (+/-6.4) J mol-1 K-1, DeltaG not equal=92.9 kJ mol-1; PPh2Me, DeltaH not equal=73.4 (+/-3.7) kJ mol-1, DeltaS not equal=-71.9 (+/-2.3) J mol-1 K-1, DeltaG not equal=94.8 kJ mol-1). With PMe3 as a model substrate, the geometry and the free energy of the transition state (TS) for the formation of the phosphine oxide-coordinated intermediate were calculated. The latter, 95 kJ mol-1, is in good agreement with the experimental values. An unexpectedly large O-P-C angle calculated for the TS suggests that there is significant O-nucleophilic attack on the P--C sigma* in addition to the expected nucleophilic attack of the P on the Mo==O pi*. The second step of the reaction, that is, the exchange of the coordinated phosphine oxide with acetonitrile, [LiPrMoO(OPh)(OPR3)]+MeCN-->[LiPrMoO(OPh)(MeCN)]+OPR3, follows a first-order rate law in MeCN. A dissociative interchange (Id) mechanism, with activation parameters of DeltaH not equal=93.5 (+/-0.9) kJ mol-1, DeltaS not equal=18.2 (+/-3.3) J mol-1 K-1, DeltaG not equal=88.1 kJ mol-1 and DeltaH not equal=97.9 (+/-3.4) kJ mol-1, DeltaS not equal=47.3 (+/-11.8) J mol-1 K-1, DeltaG not equal=83.8 kJ mol-1, for [LiPrMoO(OPh)(OPEt3)] (2 a) and [LiPrMoO(OPh)(OPPh2Me)] (2 b), respectively, is consistent with the experimental data. Although gas-phase calculations indicate that the Mo--OPMe3 bond is stronger than the Mo--NCMe bond, solvation provides the driving force for the release of the phosphine oxide and formation of [LiPrMoO(OPh)(MeCN)] (3).     

Synthetic and computational studies of the palladium(iv) system Pd(alkyl)(aryl)(alkynyl)(bidentate)(triflate) exhibiting selectivity in C-C reductive elimination

Synthetic routes to methyl(aryl)alkynylpalladium(iv) motifs are presented, together with studies of selectivity in carbon-carbon coupling by reductive elimination from Pd(IV) centres. The iodonium reagents IPh(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)(OTf) (R = SiMe(3), Bu(t), OTf = O(3)SCF(3)) oxidise Pd(II)Me(p-Tol)(L(2)) (1-3) [L(2) = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe) (1), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) (2), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3)] in acetone-d(6) or toluene-d(9) at -80 °C to form complexes Pd(IV)(OTf)Me(p-Tol)(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)(L(2)) [R = SiMe(3), L(2) = dmpe (4), bpy (5), phen (6); R = Bu(t), L(2) = dmpe (7), bpy (8), phen (9)] which reductively eliminate predominantly (>90%) p-Tol-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR above ～-50 °C. NMR spectra show that isomeric mixtures are present for the Pd(IV) complexes: three for dmpe complexes (4, 7), and two for bpy and phen complexes (5, 6, 8, 9), with reversible reduction in the number of isomers to two occurring between -80 °C and -60 °C observed for the dmpe complex 4 in toluene-d(8). Kinetic data for reductive elimination from Pd(IV)(OTf)Me(p-Tol)(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe(3))(dmpe) (4) yield similar activation parameters in acetone-d(6) (66 ± 2 kJ mol(-1), ΔH(?) 64 ± 2 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(?)-67 ± 2 J K(-1) mol(-1)) and toluene-d(8) (E(a) 68 ± 3 kJ mol(-1), ΔH(?) 66 ± 3 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(?)-74 ± 3 J K(-1) mol(-1)). The reaction rate in acetone-d(6) is unaffected by addition of sodium triflate, indicative of reductive elimination without prior dissociation of triflate. DFT computational studies at the B97-D level show that the energy difference between the three isomers of 4 is small (12.6 kJ mol(-1)), and is similar to the energy difference encompassing the six potential transition state structures from these isomers leading to three feasible C-C coupling products (13.0 kJ mol(-1)). The calculations are supportive of reductive elimination occurring directly from two of the three NMR observed isomers of 4, involving lower activation energies to form p-TolC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe(3) and earlier transition states than for other products, and involving coupling of carbon atoms with higher s character of σ-bonds (sp(2) for p-Tol, sp for C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-SiMe(3)) to form the product with the strongest C-C bond energy of the potential coupling products. Reductive elimination occurs predominantly from the isomer with Me(3)SiC[triple bond, length as m-dash]C trans to OTf. Crystal structure analyses are presented for Pd(II)Me(p-Tol)(dmpe) (1), Pd(II)Me(p-Tol)(bpy) (2), and the acetonyl complex Pd(II)Me(CH(2)COMe)(bpy) (11).