Calculated optical spectrum of model oxyheme complex

The optical spectrum of a model oxyheme complex has been calculated using a new intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO-SCF-CI ) method that allows for the inclusion of configuration interaction and transition metals. In addition to the porphyrin π→π* transitions common to all heme proteins, four weak x,y polarized transitions observed only in oxyheme complexes have been calculated and assigned to excitations involving the lowest-empty highly delocalized (Oπ, dπ) orbital. Two broad z-polarized bands observed in the single-crystal polarized absorption spectra of oxymyoglobin and hemoglobin have also been calculated. Controversy exists over the assignment of these transitions and, in particular, over the extent of involvement of the oxygen ligand. Our calculations assign the weaker near-IR visible band mainly to the d σ dπ→ dπ* excitations and the more intense UV band mainly to a_2u → dσ* excitations. While significant participation (25%) of the highly delocalized (Oπ, dπ) virtual orbital is also found, these z-polarized transitions need not be totally unique to oxyheme complexes, in keeping with experimental observation.