Proton-coupled electron transfers in biomimetic water bound metal complexes. The electrochemical approach

Faraday Discuss. 2011:148:83-95; discussion 97-108. doi: 10.1039/c004276e.

Abstract

Water-bound metal (M) complexes play a central role in the catalytic centers of natural systems such as Photosystem II (PSII), superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c oxidase and others. In these systems, electron transfer reactions involving the metal center are coupled to proton transfers. Besides its fundamental interest, comprehension of these reactions and of possible bio-inspired catalytic devices is an additional motivation for studying the coupling between proton and electron transfer (proton-coupled electron transfers, PCET), starting with an aqua-M(II)/hydroxo-M(III) couple, and going to higher oxidation degrees as in the case of PSII (hydroxo-M(III)/oxo-M(IV) couple). Factors that determine the occurrence of the stepwise and concerted pathways are recalled from the illustrating example of a recently described mononuclear osmium complex, thus opening perspectives for further studies of the biomimicking complex. PCET in a mononuclear aqua/hydroxo manganese couple was then studied using the electrochemical approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron Transport*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Manganese / chemistry
  • Metals / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protons
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Metals
  • Protons
  • Water
  • Manganese