Scaffold-based [Fe]-hydrogenase model: H2 activation initiates Fe(0)-hydride extrusion and non-biomimetic hydride transfer

We report the synthesis and reactivity of a model of [Fe]-hydrogenase derived from an anthracene-based scaffold that includes the endogenous, organometallic acyl(methylene) donor. In comparison to other non-scaffolded acyl-containing complexes, the complex described herein retains molecularly well-defined chemistry upon addition of multiple equivalents of exogenous base. Clean deprotonation of the acyl(methylene) C–H bond with a phenolate base results in the formation of a dimeric motif that contains a new Fe–C(methine) bond resulting from coordination of the deprotonated methylene unit to an adjacent iron center. This effective second carbanion in the ligand framework was demonstrated to drive heterolytic H₂ activation across the Fe(ii) center. However, this process results in reductive elimination and liberation of the ligand to extrude a lower-valent Fe–carbonyl complex. Through a series of isotopic labelling experiments, structural characterization (XRD, XAS), and spectroscopic characterization (IR, NMR, EXAFS), a mechanistic pathway is presented for H₂/hydride-induced loss of the organometallic acyl unit (i.e. pyCH₂–C O → pyCH₃+C O). The known reduced hydride species [HFe(CO)₄]⁻ and [HFe₃(CO)₁₁]⁻ have been observed as products by ¹H/²H NMR and IR spectroscopies, as well as independent syntheses of PNP[HFe(CO)₄]. The former species (i.e. [HFe(CO)₄]⁻) is deduced to be the actual hydride transfer agent in the hydride transfer reaction (nominally catalyzed by the title compound) to a biomimetic substrate ([^TolIm](BAr^F) = fluorinated imidazolium as hydride acceptor). This work provides mechanistic insight into the reasons for lack of functional biomimetic behavior (hydride transfer) in acyl(methylene)pyridine based mimics of [Fe]-hydrogenase.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of a model of [Fe]-hydrogenase derived from an anthracene-based scaffold that includes the endogenous, organometallic acyl(methylene) donor.     

Activation of alkenes and H2 by [Fe]-H2ase model complexes

The established ability of the Fe(II) bridging hydride species (micro-H)(micro-pdt)[Fe(CO)2(PMe3)]2+, 1-H+, to take-up and heterolytically activate dihydrogen, resulting in H/D scrambling of H2/D2 and H2/D2O mixtures (Zhao et al. Inorg. Chem. 2002, 41, 3917) has prompted a study of simultaneous alkene/H2 activation by such [Fe]H2ase model complexes. That the required photolysis produced an open site was substantiated by substitution of CO in 1-H+ by CH3CN with formation of structurally characterized [(micro-H)(micro-pdt)[Fe(CO)2(PMe3)][Fe(CO)(CH3CN)(PMe3)]]+[PF6]-. Under similar photolytic conditions, H/D exchange reactions between D2 and terminal alkenes (ethylene, propene and 1-butene), but not bulkier alkenes such as 2-butene or cyclohexene, were catalyzed by 1-H+ and the edt (SCH2CH2S) analogue, 2-H+. Substantial regioselectivity for H/D exchange at the internal vinylic hydrogen was observed. The extent to which the olefins were deuterium enriched vs deuterated was catalyst dependent. The stabilizing effect of the binuclear chelating ligands, SCH2CH2CH2S, pdt, and SCH2CH2S, edt, is required for the activity of binuclear catalysts, as the mono-dentate micro-SEt analogue decomposed to inactive products under the photolytic conditions of the catalysis. Reactions of 1 and 2 with EtOSO2CF3 yielded the S-alkylated products, [(micro-SCH2CH2CH2SEt)[Fe(CO)2(PMe3)]2]+[SO3CF3]- (1-Et+), and 2-Et+, rather than micro-C2H5 analogues to the micro-H of 1-H+. The stability and lack of reactivity toward H2 of 1-Et+ and 2-Et+, indicates they are not on the reaction path of the olefin/D2 H/D exchange process. A mechanism with olefin binding to an open site created by CO loss and formation of an Fe-(CH2CHDR) intermediate is indicated. A likely role of a binuclear chelate effect is implicated for the unique S-XXX-S cofactor in the active site of [Fe]H2ase.     

Synthesis and characterization of a series of model complexes of the active site of [Fe]-hydrogenase (Hmd)

A series of Fe complexes were synthesized and characterized as small molecule mimics for the active site of [Fe]-hydrogenase (Hmd). The collection includes both structurally new compounds and analogues of previously reported models. These complexes contain the essential ligands of the enzyme, namely, acyl, CO, pyridone, and sulfur ligands. They serve as IR and Mo?ssbauer spectroscopic models for the Fe center in [Fe]-hydrogenase. The field-dependent Mo?ssbauer study of representative model complexes shows that the sign and absolute value of the quadrupole splitting are sensitive to the change in the ligand environment of the Fe center.     

Regioselective (12)CO/(13)CO exchange activity of a mixed-valent Fe(ii)Fe(i) model of the H(ox) state of [FeFe]-hydrogenase

A mixed-valent Fe(ii)Fe(i) model of the H(ox) state of [FeFe]-hydrogenase is shown, under certain conditions, to exhibit regioselective (12)CO/(13)CO exchange activity similar to that observed for H(ox).     

Mild redox complementation enables H2 activation by [FeFe]-hydrogenase models

Mild oxidants such as [Fe(C(5)Me(5))(2)](+) accelerate the activation of H(2) by [Fe(2)[(SCH(2))(2)NBn](CO)(3)(dppv)(PMe(3))](+) ([1](+)), despite the fact that the ferrocenium cation is incapable of oxidizing [1](+). The reaction is first-order in [1](+) and [H(2)] but independent of the E(1/2) and concentration of the oxidant. The analogous reaction occurs with D(2) and proceeds with an inverse kinetic isotope effect of 0.75(8). The activation of H(2) is further enhanced with the tetracarbonyl [Fe(2)[(SCH(2))(2)NBn](CO)(4)(dppn)](+) ([2](+)), the first crystallographically characterized model for the H(ox) state of the active site containing an amine cofactor. These studies point to rate-determining binding of H(2) followed by proton-coupled electron transfer. Relative to that by [1](+), the rate of H(2) activation by [2](+)/Fc(+) is enhanced by a factor of 10(4) at 25 °C.     

Bimetallic cyanide-bridged complexes based on the photochromic nitroprusside anion and paramagnetic metal complexes. Syntheses, structures, and physical characterization of the coordination compounds [Ni(en)2]4[Fe(CN)5NO]2[Fe(CN)6]x5H2O, [Ni(en)2][Fe(CN)5NO]x3H2O, [Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H2O)]2[Fe(CN)5NO], and [Mn(5-Brsalen)]2[Fe(CN)5NO

The synthesis, crystal structure, and physical characterization of the coordination compounds [Ni(en)2]4[Fe(CN)5NO]2[Fe(CN)6]x5H2O (1), [Ni(en)2][Fe(CN)5NO]x3H2O (2), [Mn(3-MeOsalen)(H2O)]2[Fe(CN)5NO] (3), and [Mn(5-Brsalen)]2[Fe(CN)5NO] (4) are presented. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (a = 7.407(4) A, b = 28.963(6) A, c = 14.744(5) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 103.26(4) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, Z = 2). Its structure consists of branched linear chains formed by cis-[Ni(en)2]2+ cations and ferrocyanide and nitroprusside anions. The presence of two kinds of iron(II) sites has been demonstrated by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (a = 11.076(3) A, b = 10.983(2) A, c = 17.018(5) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 107.25(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, Z = 4). Its structure consists of zigzag chains formed by an alternated array of cis-[Ni(en)2]2+ cations and nitroprusside anions. 3 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (a = 8.896(5) A, b = 10.430(5) A, c = 12.699(5) A, alpha = 71.110(5) degrees, beta = 79.990(5) degrees, gamma = 89.470(5) degrees, Z = 1). Its structure comprises neutral trinuclear bimetallic complexes in which a central [Fe(CN)5NO]2- anion is linked to two [Mn(3-MeOsalen)]+ cations. 4 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/ncc (a = 13.630(5) A, c = 21.420(8) A, Z = 4). Its structure shows an extended 2D neutral network formed by cyclic octameric [-Mn-NC-Fe-CN-]4 units. The magnetic properties of these compounds indicate the presence of quasi-isolated paramagnetic Ni2+ and Mn3+. Irradiated samples of the four compounds have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry to detect the existence of the long-lived metastable states of nitroprusside.     

Trihydridoruthenium(IV) complexes: preparation and photo-induced H/D exchange reaction

The trihydrides (η⁵-C₅Me₅RuH₃(PR₃ = PMe₃, FEt₃, Pipr₃, PCy₃, PPh₂Me, and PPh₃) (2) are formed in the reaction of paramagnetic (η⁵C₅Me₅)RuCl₂(PR₃) (1) with NaBH₄ in ethanol. The reaction of 1 with NaBH₄, in THF yields intermediary tetrahydroborate complexes (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(PR₃)(BH₄) (3), which are converted to the trihydrides 2 by treatment with ethanol. Irradiation of 2c and 2f in C₆D₆ solution with UV light causes H/D exchange reaction among the solvent, hydride ligands, and the coordinated phosphine.     

Hydrolysis of [Pt(dien)H2O]2+ and [Pd(dien)H2O]2+ complexes in water

The hydrolysis of the [Pt(dien)H₂O]²⁺ and [Pd(dien)H₂O]²⁺ complexes has been investigated by potentiometry at 298 K, in 0.1 mol dm^–3 aqueous NaClO₄. Least-squares treatment of the data obtained indicates the formation of mononuclear and -hydroxo-bridged dinuclear complexes with stability constants: log ₁₁ = –6.94 for [Pt(dien)OH]⁺, log ₁₁ = –7.16 for [Pd(dien)OH]⁺, and also log ₂₂ = –9.37 for [Pt₂(dien)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ and log ₂₂ = –10.56 for [Pd₂(dien)₂(OH)₂]²⁺. At pH values > 5.5, formation of the dimer becomes significant for the Pt^II complex, and at pH > 6.5 for the Pd^II complex. These results have been analyzed in relation to the antitumor activity of Pt^II complexes.     

Precursors to [FeFe]-hydrogenase models: syntheses of Fe2(SR)2(CO)6 from CO-free iron sources

This report describes routes to iron dithiolato carbonyls that do not require preformed iron carbonyls. The reaction of FeCl 2, Zn, and Q 2S 2C n H 2 n (Q (+) = Na (+), Et 3NH (+)) under an atmosphere of CO affords Fe 2(S 2C n H 2 n )(CO) 6 ( n = 2, 3) in yields >70%. The method was employed to prepare Fe 2(S 2C 2H 4)( (13)CO) 6. Treatment of these carbonylated mixtures with tertiary phosphines, instead of Zn, gave the ferrous species Fe 3(S 2C 3H 6) 3(CO) 4(PR 3) 2, for R = Et, Bu, and Ph. Like the related complex Fe 3(SPh) 6(CO) 6, these compounds consist of a linear arrangement of three conjoined face-shared octahedral centers. Omitting the phosphine but with an excess of dithiolate, we obtained the related mixed-valence triiron species [Fe 3(S 2C n H 2 n ) 4(CO) 4] (-). The highly reducing all-ferrous species [Fe 3(S 2C n H 2 n ) 4(CO) 4] (2-) is implicated as an intermediate in this transformation. Reactive forms of iron, prepared by the method of Rieke, also combined with dithiols under a CO atmosphere to give Fe 2(S 2C n H 2 n )(CO) 6 in modest yields under mild conditions. Studies on the order of addition indicate that ferrous thiolates are formed prior to the onset of carbonylation. Crystallographic characterization demonstrated that the complexes Fe 3(S 2C 3H 6) 3(CO) 4(PEt 3) 2 and PBnPh 3[Fe 3(S 2C 3H 6) 4(CO) 4] feature high-spin ferrous and low-spin ferric as the central metal, respectively.     

Isotopic exchange processes in cold plasmas of H2/D2 mixtures

Isotope exchange in low pressure cold plasmas of H(2)/D(2) mixtures has been investigated by means of mass spectrometric measurements of neutrals and ions, and kinetic model calculations. The measurements, which include also electron temperatures and densities, were performed in a stainless steel hollow cathode reactor for three discharge pressures: 1, 2 and 8 Pa, and for mixture compositions ranging from 100% H(2) to 100% D(2). The data are analyzed in the light of the model calculations, which are in good global agreement with the experiments. Isotope selective effects are found both in the surface recombination and in the gas-phase ionic chemistry. The dissociation of the fuel gas molecules is followed by wall recycling, which regenerates H(2) and D(2) and produces HD. Atomic recombination at the wall is found to proceed through an Eley-Rideal mechanism, with a preference for reaction of the adsorbed atoms with gas phase D atoms. The best fit probabilities for Eley-Rideal abstraction with H and D are: γ(ER H) = 1.5 × 10(-3), γ(ER D) = 2.0 × 10(-3). Concerning ions, at 1 Pa the diatomic species H(2)(+), D(2)(+) and HD(+), formed directly by electron impact, prevail in the distributions, and at 8 Pa, the triatomic ions H(3)(+), H(2)D(+), HD(2)(+) and D(3)(+), produced primarily in reactions of diatomic ions with molecules, dominate the plasma composition. In this higher pressure regime, the formation of the mixed ions H(2)D(+) and HD(2)(+) is favoured in comparison with that of H(3)(+) and D(3)(+), as expected on statistical grounds. The model results predict a very small preference, undetectable within the precision of the measurements, for the generation of triatomic ions with a higher degree of deuteration, which is probably a residual influence at room temperature of the marked zero point energy effects (ZPE), relevant for deuterium fractionation in interstellar space. In contrast, ZPE effects are found to be decisive for the observed distribution of monoatomic ions H(+) and D(+), even at room temperature. The final H(+)/D(+) ratio is determined to a great extent by proton (and deuteron) exchange, which favours the enhancement of H(+) and the concomitant decrease of D(+).     

Characterization of photochemical processes for H2 production by CdS nanorod-[FeFe] hydrogenase complexes

We have developed complexes of CdS nanorods capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe]-hydrogenase I (CaI) that photocatalyze reduction of H(+) to H(2) at a CaI turnover frequency of 380-900 s(-1) and photon conversion efficiencies of up to 20% under illumination at 405 nm. In this paper, we focus on the compositional and mechanistic aspects of CdS:CaI complexes that control the photochemical conversion of solar energy into H(2). Self-assembly of CdS with CaI was driven by electrostatics, demonstrated as the inhibition of ferredoxin-mediated H(2) evolution by CaI. Production of H(2) by CdS:CaI was observed only under illumination and only in the presence of a sacrificial donor. We explored the effects of the CdS:CaI molar ratio, sacrificial donor concentration, and light intensity on photocatalytic H(2) production, which were interpreted on the basis of contributions to electron transfer, hole transfer, or rate of photon absorption, respectively. Each parameter was found to have pronounced effects on the CdS:CaI photocatalytic activity. Specifically, we found that under 405 nm light at an intensity equivalent to total AM 1.5 solar flux, H(2) production was limited by the rate of photon absorption (~1 ms(-1)) and not by the turnover of CaI. Complexes were capable of H(2) production for up to 4 h with a total turnover number of 10(6) before photocatalytic activity was lost. This loss correlated with inactivation of CaI, resulting from the photo-oxidation of the CdS capping ligand MPA.     

Hydrate isomerism in [Cu(en)2(H2O)1.935]2[Fe(CN)6]·4H2O

The title compound, bis[di­aqua­bis­(ethyl­enedi­amine‐κ²N,N′)copper(II)­] hexa­cyano­iron(II) tetrahydrate, [Cu(C₂H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)_1.935]₂[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O, was crystallized from an aqueous reaction mixture initially containing CuSO₄, K₃[Fe(CN)₆] and ethyl­enedi­amine (en) in a 3:2:6 molar ratio. Its structure is ionic and is built up of two crystallographically different cations, viz. [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ and [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)_1.87]²⁺, there being a deficiency of aqua ligands in the latter, [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions and disordered solvent water mol­ecules. All the metal atoms lie on centres of inversion. The Cu atom is octahedrally coordinated by two chelate‐bonded en mol­ecules [mean Cu—N = 2.016 (2) Å] in the equatorial plane, and by axial aqua ligands, showing very long distances due to the Jahn–Teller effect [mean Cu—O = 2.611 (2) Å]. In one of the cations, significant underoccupation of the O‐atom site is observed, correlated with the appearance of a non‐coordinated water mol­ecule. This is interpreted as the partial contribution of a hydrate isomer. The [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions form quite regular octahedra, with a mean Fe—C distance of 1.913 (2) Å. The dominant intermolecular interactions are cation–anion O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds and these inter­actions form layers parallel to (001).     

Electrochemical insights into the mechanisms of proton reduction by [Fe2(CO)6{micro-SCH2N(R)CH2S}] complexes related to the [2Fe](H) subsite of [FeFe]hydrogenase

Electrochemical investigations on a structural analogue of the [2Fe](H) subsite of [FeFe]H(2)ases, namely, [Fe(2)(CO)(6){micro-SCH(2)N(CH(2)CH(2)- OCH(3))CH(2)S}] (1), were conducted in MeCN/NBu(4)PF(6) in the presence of HBF(4)/Et(2)O or HOTs. Two different catalytic proton reduction processes operate, depending on the strength and the concentration of the acid used. The first process, which takes place around -1.2 V for both HBF(4)/Et(2)O and HOTs, is limited by the slow release of H(2) from the product of the {2 H(+)/2 e} pathway, 1-2H. The second catalytic process, which occurs at higher acid concentrations, takes place at different potentials depending on the acid present. We propose that this second mechanism is initiated by protonation of 1-2H when HBF(4)/Et(2)O is used, whereas the reduction of 1-2H is the initial step in the presence of the weaker acid HOTs. The potential of the second process, which occurs around -1.4 V (reduction potential of 1-3H(+)) or around -1.6 V (the reduction potential of 1-2H) is thus dependent on the strength of the available proton source.     

Rationalization of scrambling processes among [C2H3O]+ ions

Scrambling data for the three observed [C₂H₃O]⁺ isomers, namely [CH₃CO]⁺ (a), [CH₂COH]⁺ (b) and (c), are rationalized by using ab initio molecular orbital calculations. For ions a and c, processes leading to scrambling of the carbon atoms require substantially more energy than the threshold for decomposition to [CH₃]⁺ + CO. Accordingly, little or no carbon scrambling is predicted nor is any observed in the metastable dissociation of a and c. The observed carbon scrambling in b prior to metastable dissociation to [CH₃]⁺ + CO has previously been explained in terms of a mechanism involving the oxiranyl cation (c). However, this mechanism is shown to be unlikely because of the high energies involved. An alternative lower-energy pathway involving the intermediacy of protonated oxirene (h) is proposed. Such a mechanism is fully compatible with the experimental data.     

3D porous and 3D interpenetrating triple framework structures constructed by aurophilicity-coordination interplay in [Mn[Au(CN)2]2(H2O)2]n and [KFe[Au(CN)2]3]n

Two cyano-bridged heterobimetallic coordination polymers [Mn[Au(CN)2]2(H2O)2]n (1) and [KFe[Au(CN)2]3]n (2), have been synthesized from [Au(CN)2]- building blocks and structurally characterized. In both complexes aurophilicity play an important role in determining the 3D open microporous framework and the interpenetrating triple framework for 1 and 2, respectively. Both aqueous solutions of 1 and 2 display interesting luminescent properties.     

对自旋交叉化合物[Fe(dpq)(py)2(NCS)2]·H2O·py 和[Fe(dpq)(py)2(NCSe)2]·1.5H2O的研究

为了研究配体修饰对自旋交叉现象的影响,我们合成了两个Fe?自旋交叉的配合物犤Fe(dpq)(py)2(NCS)2犦·H2O·py和犤Fe(dpq)(py)2(NCSe)2犦·1.5H2O,(dpq=二吡嗪犤2,3-f:2'3'-h犦喹喔啉,py=吡啶)。通过对这两个配合物磁性质和穆斯堡尔谱的研究,发现和用邻啡咯啉配体合成的配合物比较,配体的修饰对自旋交叉性质以及其临界温度都有着显著影响。