Copper and copper-palladium catalysts of aliphatic thiols oxidation in biological objects: Quantum-chemical DFT simulation

DFT calculations (M06, PBE0/Def2-TZVP) of coordination compounds used in reactions of selective oxidation of thiols to disulfides were performed. Primary active centers of the catalysts are polynuclear scaffolds {L₂M(μ-OH)₂ML₂}²⁺ and {L₂M(μ-OH)₂M′(μ-OH)₂ML₂}²⁺ (M = Cu^I, Cu^II, Pd^II; M' = Cu^II; L = NH₃). Cu^II ions in combination with PdII ions are capable of formation of polynuclear active center {PdII(μ-OH)₂Cu^II(μ-OH)₂Pd^II}²⁺ bringing together a large number of mutually oriented RS^– groups and thus affecting the rate of formation of disulfide R₂S₂.