One- to two-electron reduction of an [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site mimic: the critical role of fluxionality of the [2Fe2S] core

J Am Chem Soc. 2009 Aug 19;131(32):11290-1. doi: 10.1021/ja904520x.

Abstract

The one- to two-electron reduction of mu-(1,2-ethanedithiolato)diironhexacarbonyl that has been observed under electrochemical conditions is dependent on scan rate and temperature, suggesting activation of a structural rearrangement. This structural rearrangement is attributed to fluxionality of the [2Fe2S] core in the initially formed anion. Computations support this assessment. Upon an initial one-electron reduction, the inherent fluxionality of the [2Fe2S] complex anion allows for a second one-electron reduction at a less negative potential to form a dianionic species. The structure of this dianion is characterized by a rotated iron center, a bridging carbonyl ligand, and, most significantly, a dissociated Fe-S bond. This fluxionality of the [2Fe2S] core upon reduction has direct implications for the chemistry of [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics and for iron-sulfur cluster chemistry in general.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics*
  • Catalysis
  • Catalytic Domain*
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Electrons
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry*
  • Hydrogenase / chemistry*
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • mu-(1,2-ethanedithiolato)diironhexacarbonyl
  • Hydrogenase