Inorganic clusters with a [Fe2MoOS3] core-a functional model for acetylene reduction by nitrogenases

Dalton Trans. 2016 Oct 7;45(37):14620-7. doi: 10.1039/c6dt01655c. Epub 2016 Jun 22.

Abstract

We report the first example of a wholly inorganic mimic of a part of the FeMoco active centre of nitrogenases. We detail the synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of two related, transient hydride-containing inorganic clusters, a dihydride complex and a vinyl monohydride complex, which bear the [Fe2MoOS3] portion of FeMoco. The dihydride complex is capable of reducing acetylene to ethylene via the vinyl monohydride complex. In the reaction cycle, a transient low-valent complex was generated by the reductive elimination of H2 or ethylene from dihydride or vinyl monohydride complexes, respectively.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylene / chemistry*
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molybdoferredoxin / chemistry
  • Nitrogenase / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Molybdoferredoxin
  • Nitrogenase
  • Acetylene