Dioxygen Activation at Mononuclear Nonheme Iron Active Sites: Enzymes, Models, and Intermediates

Dioxygen activation by copper, heme and non-heme iron enzymes: comparison of electronic structures and reactivities

Enzymes containing heme, non-heme iron and copper active sites play important roles in the activation of dioxygen for substrate oxidation. One key reaction step is CH bond cleavage through H-atom abstraction. On the basis of the ligand environment and the redox properties of the metal, these enzymes employ different methods of dioxygen activation. Heme enzymes are able to stabilize the very reactive iron(IV)-oxo porphyrin-radical intermediate. This is generally not accessible for non-heme iron systems, which can instead use low-spin ferric-hydroperoxo and iron(IV)-oxo species as reactive oxidants. Copper enzymes employ still a different strategy and achieve H-atom abstraction potentially through a superoxo intermediate. This review compares and contrasts the electronic structures and reactivities of these various oxygen intermediates.

Intermediates in the oxygenation of a nonheme diiron(II) complex, including the first evidence for a bound superoxo species

The reaction of [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) (1) [6-Me(3)-TPA, Tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine] with O(2) in CH(2)Cl(2) at -80 degrees C gives rise to two new intermediates, 2 and 3, before the formation of previously characterized [Fe(2)(O)(O(2))(6-Me(3)-TPA)(2)](2+) (4) that allow the oxygenation reaction to be monitored one electron-transfer step at a time. Raman evidence assigns 2 and 3 as a diiron-superoxo species and a diiron-peroxo species, respectively. Intermediate 2 exhibits its nu(O-O) at 1,310 cm(-1) with a -71-cm(-1) (18)O isotope shift. A doublet peak pattern for the (16)O(18)O isotopomer of 2 in mixed-isotope Raman experiments strongly suggests that the superoxide ligand of 2 is bound end-on. This first example of a nonheme iron-superoxo intermediate exhibits the highest frequency nu(O-O) yet observed for a biomimetic metal-dioxygen adduct. The bound superoxide of 2, unlike the bound peroxide of 4, is readily reduced by 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol via a proton-coupled electron-transfer mechanism, emphasizing that metal-superoxo species may serve as oxidants in oxygen activation mechanisms of metalloenzymes. The discovery of intermediates 2 and 3 allows us to dissect the initial steps of dioxygen binding at a diiron center leading to its activation for substrate oxidation.

The 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad: a versatile platform for dioxygen activation by mononuclear non-heme iron(II) enzymes

General knowledge of dioxygen-activating mononuclear non-heme iron(II) enzymes containing a 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad has significantly expanded in the last few years, due in large part to the extensive library of crystal structures that is now available. The common structural motif utilized by this enzyme superfamily acts as a platform upon which a wide assortment of substrate transformations are catalyzed. The facial triad binds a divalent metal ion at the active site, which leaves the opposite face of the octahedron available to coordinate a variety of exogenous ligands. The binding of substrate activates the metal center for attack by dioxygen, which is subsequently converted to a high-valent iron intermediate, a formidable oxidizing species. Herein, we summarize crystallographic and mechanistic features of this metalloenzyme superfamily, which has enabled the proposal of a common but flexible pathway for dioxygen activation.

Origin of the Unusual Kinetics of Iron Deposition in Human H-Chain Ferritin

From microorganisms to humans, ferritin plays a central role in the biological management of iron. The ferritins function as iron storage and detoxification proteins by oxidatively depositing iron as a hydrous ferric hydroxide mineral core within their shell-like structures. The mechanism by which the mineral core is formed has been the subject of intense investigation for many years. A diiron ferroxidase site located on the H-chain subunit of vertebrate ferritins catalyzes the oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) by molecular oxygen. A previous stopped-flow kinetics study of a transient mu-peroxodiFe(III) intermediate formed at this site revealed very unusual kinetics curves, the shape of which depended markedly on the amount of iron presented to the protein. In the present work, a mathematical model for catalysis is developed that explains the observed kinetics. The model consists of two sequential mechanisms. In the first mechanism, turnover of iron at the ferroxidase site is rapid, resulting in steady-state production of the peroxo intermediate with continual formation of the mineral core until the available Fe(II) in solution is consumed. At this point, the second mechanism comes into play whereby the peroxo intermediate decays and the ferroxidase site is postulated to vacate its complement of iron. The kinetic data reveal for the first time that Fe(II) in excess of that required to saturate the ferroxidase site promotes rapid turnover of Fe(III) at this site and that the ferroxidase site plays a role in catalysis at all levels of iron loading of the protein (48-800 Fe/protein). The data also provide evidence for a second intermediate, a putative hydroperoxodiFe(III) complex, that is a decay product of the peroxo intermediate.

Dioxygen Activation and Catalytic Aerobic Oxidation by a Mononuclear Nonheme Iron(II) Complex

We have used dioxygen, not artificial oxidants such as peracids, iodosylarenes, and hydroperoxides, in the generation of a mononuclear nonheme oxoiron(IV) complex, [Fe(IV)(TMC)(O)]2+ (TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), from its corresponding Fe(II) complex, [Fe(TMC)(CF3SO3)2]. The formation of oxoiron(IV) species by activating dioxygen was markedly dependent on iron(II) complexes and solvents, and this observation was interpreted with the electronic effect of iron(II) complexes on dioxygen activation to form oxoiron(IV) species. A catalytic aerobic oxidation of organic substrates was demonstrated in the presence of the [Fe(TMC)]2+ complex. By carrying out 18O-labeled water experiment, we were able to conclude that the oxidation of organic substrates was mediated by an oxoiron(IV) intermediate, not by a radical type of autoxidation process.

Structural insights into nonheme alkylperoxoiron(III) and oxoiron(IV) intermediates by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Transient mononuclear low-spin alkylperoxoiron(III) and oxoiron(IV) complexes that are relevant to the activation of dioxygen by nonheme iron enzymes have been generated from synthetic iron(II) complexes of neutral tetradentate (TPA) and pentadentate (N4Py, Bn-TPEN) ligands and structurally characterized by means of Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Notable features obtained from fits of the EXAFS region are Fe-O bond lengths of 1.78 A for the alkylperoxoiron(III) intermediates and 1.65-1.68 A for the oxoiron(IV) intermediates, reflecting different strengths in the Fe-O pi interactions. These differences are also observed in the intensities of the 1s-to-3d transitions in the XANES region, which increase from 4 units for the nearly octahedral iron(II) precursor to 9-15 units for the alkylperoxoiron(III) intermediates to 25-29 units for the oxoiron(IV) species.

The HIF pathway as a therapeutic target

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is an alpha,beta-heterodimeric transcription factor that mediates cellular responses to low oxygen concentration via the transcriptional activation of specific genes involved in both tumorogenesis and angiogenesis. Manipulation of the HIF pathway has potential use for the treatment of ischemic disease and cancer. Unlike HIF-beta, which is constitutively expressed, the levels and activity of the HIF-alpha subunit are regulated by processes involving posttranslational hydroxylation, catalyzed by Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases. This review focuses on the HIF pathway as a therapeutic target.

IrII(ethene): Metal or Carbon Radical?

One-electron oxidation of [(Me(n)tpa)Ir(I)(ethene)]+ complexes (Me(3)tpa = N,N,N-tri(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine; Me(2)tpa = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N,-di[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]-amine) results in relatively stable, five-coordinate Ir(II)-olefin species [(Me(n)tpa)Ir(II)(ethene)](2+) (1(2+): n = 3; 2(2+): n = 2). These contain a "vacant site" at iridium and a "non-innocent" ethene fragment, allowing radical type addition reactions at both the metal and the ethene ligand. The balance between metal- and ligand-centered radical behavior is influenced by the donor capacity of the solvent. In weakly coordinating solvents, 1(2+) and 2(2+) behave as moderately reactive metallo-radicals. Radical coupling of 1(2+) with NO in acetone occurs at the metal, resulting in dissociation of ethene and formation of the stable nitrosyl complex [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(NO)](2+) (6(2+)). In the coordinating solvent MeCN, 1(2+) generates more reactive radicals; [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(MeCN)(ethene)](2+) (9(2+)) by MeCN coordination, and [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(II)(MeCN)](2+) (10(2+)) by substitution of MeCN for ethene. Complex 10(2+) is a metallo-radical, like 1(2+) but more reactive. DFT calculations indicate that 9(2+) is intermediate between the slipped-olefin Ir(II)(CH(2)=CH(2)) and ethyl radical Ir(III)-CH(2)-CH(2). resonance structures, of which the latter prevails. The ethyl radical character of 9(2+) allows radical type addition reactions at the ethene ligand. Complex 2(2+) behaves similarly in MeCN. In the absence of further reagents, 1(2+) and 2(2+) convert to the ethylene bridged species [(Me(n)tpa)(MeCN)Ir(III)(mu(2)-C(2)H(4))Ir(III)(MeCN)(Me(3)tpa)](4+) (n = 3: 3(4+); n = 2: 4(4+)) in MeCN. In the presence of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxo), formation of 3(4+) from 1(2+) in MeCN is completely suppressed and only [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(III)(TEMPO(-))(MeCN)](2+) (7(2+)) is formed. This is thought to proceed via radical coupling of TEMPO at the metal center of 10(2+). In the presence of water, hydrolysis of the coordinated acetonitrile fragment of 7(2+) results in the acetamido complex [(Me(3)tpa)Ir(III)(NHC(O)CH(3)))(TEMPOH)](2+) (8(2+)).

Ground-State Singlet L3Fe-(μ-N)-FeL3 and L3Fe(NR) Complexes Featuring Pseudotetrahedral Fe(II) Centers

Pseudotetrahedral iron(II) coordination complexes that contain bridged nitride and terminal imide linkages, and exhibit singlet ground-state electronic configurations, are described. Sodium amalgam reduction of the ferromagnetically coupled dimer, {[PhBP(3)]Fe(mu-1,3-N(3))}(2) (2) ([PhBP(3)] = [PhB(CH(2)PPh(2))(3)](-)), yields the diamagnetic bridging nitride species [{[PhBP(3)]Fe}(2)(mu-N)][Na(THF)(5)] (3). The Fe-N-Fe linkage featured in the anion of 3 exhibits an unusually bent angle of approximately 135 degrees , and the short Fe-N bond distances (Fe-N(av) approximately equal to 1.70 A) suggest substantial Fe-N multiple bond character. The diamagnetic imide complex {[PhBP(3)]Fe(II)(triple bond)N(1-Ad)}{(n)()Bu(4)N} (4) has been prepared by sodium amalgam reduction of its low-spin iron(III) precursor, [PhBP(3)]Fe(III)(triple bond)N(1-Ad) (5). Complexes 4 and 5 have been structurally characterized, and their respective electronic structures are discussed in the context of a supporting DFT calculation. Diamagnetic 4 provides a bona fide example of a pseudotetrahedral iron(II) center in a low-spin ground-state configuration. Comparative optical data strongly suggest that dinuclear 3 is best described as containing two high-spin iron(II) centers that are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to give rise to a singlet ground-state at room temperature.

Gene clusters for insecticidal loline alkaloids in the grass-endophytic fungus Neotyphodium uncinatum

Loline alkaloids are produced by mutualistic fungi symbiotic with grasses, and they protect the host plants from insects. Here we identify in the fungal symbiont, Neotyphodium uncinatum, two homologous gene clusters (LOL-1 and LOL-2) associated with loline-alkaloid production. Nine genes were identified in a 25-kb region of LOL-1 and designated (in order) lolF-1, lolC-1, lolD-1, lolO-1, lolA-1, lolU-1, lolP-1, lolT-1, and lolE-1. LOL-2 contained the homologs lolC-2 through lolE-2 in the same order and orientation. Also identified was lolF-2, but its possible linkage with either cluster was undetermined. Most lol genes were regulated in N. uncinatum and N. coenophialum, and all were expressed concomitantly with loline-alkaloid biosynthesis. A lolC-2 RNA-interference (RNAi) construct was introduced into N. uncinatum, and in two independent transformants, RNAi significantly decreased lolC expression (P < 0.01) and loline-alkaloid accumulation in culture (P < 0.001) compared to vector-only controls, indicating involvement of lolC in biosynthesis of lolines. The predicted LolU protein has a DNA-binding site signature, and the relationships of other lol-gene products indicate that the pathway has evolved from various different primary and secondary biosynthesis pathways.

A Density Functional Study on a Biomimetic Non-Heme Iron Catalyst: Insights into Alkane Hydroxylation by a Formally HO?FeV?O Oxidant

The reactivity of [HO-(tpa)Fe(V)=O] (TPA=tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), derived from O-O bond heterolysis of its [H(2)O-(tpa)Fe(III)-OOH] precursor, was explored by means of hybrid density functional theory. The mechanism for alkane hydroxylation by the high-valent iron-oxo species invoked as an intermediate in Fe(tpa)/H(2)O(2) catalysis was investigated. Hydroxylation of methane and propane by HO-Fe(V)=O was studied by following the rebound mechanism associated with the heme center of cytochrome P450, and it is demonstrated that this species is capable of stereospecific alkane hydroxylation. The mechanism proposed for alkane hydroxylation by HO-Fe(V)=O accounts for the experimentally observed incorporation of solvent water into the products. An investigation of the possible hydroxylation of acetonitrile (i.e., the solvent used in the experiments) shows that the activation energy for hydrogen-atom abstraction by HO-Fe(V)=O is rather high and, in fact, rather similar to that of methane, despite the similarity of the H-CH(2)CN bond strength to that of the secondary C-H bond in propane. This result indicates that the kinetics of hydrogen-atom abstraction are strongly affected by the cyano group and rationalizes the lack of experimental evidence for solvent hydroxylation in competition with that of substrates such as cyclohexane.

Iron Coordination Chemistry of Phenylpyruvate: An Unexpected κ3-Bridging Mode That Leads to Oxidative Cleavage of the C2−C3 Bond

One mononuclear iron(II)-phenylpyruvate complex [Tp(Ph2)Fe(II)(PPH)] (1) of the tridentate face-capping Tp(Ph2) ligand and two dinuclear iron(II)-phenylpyruvate enolate complexes [(6-Me3-TPA)2Fe(II)2(PP)]2+ (2) and [(6-Me3-TPA)2Fe(II)2(2-NO2-PP)]2+ (3) of the tetradentate 6-Me3-TPA ligand are reported to demonstrate two different binding modes of phenylpyruvate to the iron(II) centers. Phenylpyruvate binds in a kappa2-(O,O) manner to the mononuclear Fe(II)(Tp(Ph2)) center of 1 but bridges in a kappa3-(O,O,O) fashion to the two Fe(II)(6-Me3-TPA) centers of 2 and 3. Mononuclear complex 1 reacts with O2 to undergo oxidative decarboxylation and ortho-hydroxylation of one of the aromatic rings of the Tp(Ph2) ligand. In contrast, dinuclear complexes 2 and 3 react with O2 to undergo oxidative cleavage of the C2-C3 bond of phenylpyruvate.

Tuning of spin crossover equilibrium in catecholatoiron(iii) complexes by supporting ligands

Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups on co-ligands effectively raises the spin crossover temperature of catecholatoiron(III) complexes and induces a significant amount of the low spin species in solution even at around room temperature.

A linear correlation between energy of LMCT band and oxygenation reaction rate of a series of catecholatoiron(III) complexes: initial oxygen binding during intradiol catechol oxygenation

The oxygen reactivity of catecholatoiron(III) complexes has been examined using a series of catecholate ligands as the substrate. All the complexes examined here, [Fe(III)(TPA)(R-Cat)]BPh(4) (1-9) (TPA: tris(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine; R-Cat: substituted catecholate ligand, R=3,5-(t)Bu(2) (1), 3,6-(t)Bu2 (2), 3,5-Me2 (3), 3,6-Me2 (4), 4-(t)Bu (5), 4-Me (6), H (7), 4-Cl (8) and 3-Cl (9)), exclusively afforded the intradiol cleaving products of the catecholate ligands upon exposure to O2. It was revealed that 1-7 can be categorized into two classes based on their electrochemical properties; i.e., the complexes having the dialkyl-substituted (group A) and the mono- or non-substituted (group B) catecholate ligands. In spite of their classification, these two groups show a linear correlation between the logarithm of the reaction rate constant with O2 and the energy of the catecholate-to-iron(III) LMCT band, although 2 shows a large negative deviation from the correlation line. Based on this LMCT-energy dependent reactivity of 1 and 3-9 as well as the very low reactivity of 2, we have discussed on the mechanisms of the reaction of [Fe(III)(TPA)(R-Cat)]BPh4 with O2.

Mononuclear oxovanadium complexes of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine

Mononuclear oxovanadium(IV) and dioxovanadium(V) complexes of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa) have been prepared for the first time. Crystal structure determinations of three oxovanadium(IV) complexes, [VO(SO4)(tpa)], [VOCl(tpa)]PF6, or [VOBr(tpa)]PF6, and a dioxovanadium(v) complex [V(O)2(tpa)]PF6 disclosed that the tertiary nitrogen of the tpa ligand always occupies the trans-to-oxo site. The structures of an oxo-peroxo complex [VO(O2)(tpa)]Cl that was prepared previously and of a mu-oxo vanadium(III) complex [{VCl(tpa)}2(mu-O)](PF6)2 have also been determined. The tertiary nitrogen is located at a trans site to the peroxo and chloride ligands, respectively. The total sums of the four V-N bond lengths from the tpa ligand are remarkably similar among the six complexes, indicating that the vanadium oxidation states become less influential in tpa bonding due primarily to the coordination of electron-donating oxo ligand(s). Absorption spectra of [VOCl(tpa)]+ in acetonitrile showed a significant change upon addition of p-toluenesulfonic acid and HClO4, but not on addition of benzoic acid. Protonation at the oxo ligand by the former two acids is suggested. Cyclic voltammetric studies in acetonitrile verified the proton-coupled redox behavior of the V(III)/V(IV) process involving the oxo ligand for the first time. From the dependence of the added p-toluenesulfonic acid to the CV, redox potentials for the following species have been estimated: [V(IV)OCl(tpa)]+/[V(III)OCl(tpa)](E1/2=-1.59 V vs. Fc+/Fc), [V(IV)(OH)Cl(tpa)]2+/[V(III)(OH)Cl(tpa)]+(Epc=-1.34 V), [V(IV)(OH2)Cl(tpa)]3+/[V(III)(OH2)Cl(tpa)]2+(Epa=-0.49 V), and [V(IV)Cl2(tpa)]2+/[V(III)Cl2(tpa)]+(E1/2=-0.89 V). The reduction of [V(V)(O)2(tpa)]+ in 0.05 M [(n-Bu)4N]PF6 acetonitrile showed a major irreversible reduction wave V(V)/(IV) at -1.48 V. The metal reduction potentials of the oxovanadium(IV) and dioxovanadium(V) species are very close, reinforcing the significant influence of the oxo ligand(s).

The enzymology of clavam and carbapenem biosynthesis

The enzyme-catalysed reactions involved in formation of the bicyclic clavam and carbapenem nuclei, including beta-amino acid and beta-lactam formation, are discussed and compared with those involved in penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis. The common role of unusual oxidation reactions in the biosynthetic pathways and the lack of synthetic reagents available to effect them are highlighted.

Structure and dioxygen-reactivity of copper(i) complexes supported by bis(6-methylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine tridentate ligands

The structure and dioxygen-reactivity of copper(I) complexes R supported by N,N-bis(6-methylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine tridentate ligands L2R[R (N-alkyl substituent)=-CH2Ph (Bn), -CH2CH2Ph (Phe) and -CH2CHPh2(PhePh)] have been examined and compared with those of copper(I) complex (Phe) of N,N-bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]amine tridentate ligand L1(Phe) and copper(I) complex (Phe) of N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine tridentate ligand L3(Phe). Copper(I) complexes (Phe) and (PhePh) exhibited a distorted trigonal pyramidal structure involving a d-pi interaction with an eta1-binding mode between the metal ion and one of the ortho-carbon atoms of the phenyl group of the N-alkyl substituent [-CH2CH2Ph (Phe) and -CH2CHPh2(PhePh)]. The strength of the d-pi interaction in (Phe) and (PhePh) was weaker than that of the d-pi interaction with an eta2-binding mode in (Phe) but stronger than that of the eta1 d-pi interaction in (Phe). Existence of a weak d-pi interaction in (Bn) in solution was also explored, but its binding mode was not clear. Redox potentials of the copper(I) complexes (E1/2) were also affected by the supporting ligand; the order of E1/2 was Phe>R>Phe. Thus, the order of electron-donor ability of the ligand is L1Phe<L2R<L3Phe. This was reflected in the copper(I)-dioxygen reactivity, where the reaction rate of copper(I) complex toward O2 dramatically increased in the order of R<R<R. The structure of the resulting Cu2/O2 intermediate was also altered by the supporting ligand. Namely, oxygenation of copper(I) complex R at a low temperature gave a (micro-eta2:eta2-peroxo)dicopper(II) complex as in the case of Phe, but its O-O bond was relatively weakened as compared to the peroxo complex derived from Phe, and a small amount of a bis(micro-oxo)dicopper(III) complex co-existed. These results can be attributed to the higher electron-donor ability of L2R as compared to that of L1Phe. On the other hand, the fact that Phe mainly afforded a bis(micro-oxo)dicopper(III) complex suggests that the electron-donor ability of L2R is not high enough to support the higher oxidation state of copper(III) of the bis(micro-oxo) complex.

Spin crossover of ferric complexes with catecholate derivatives. Single-crystal X-ray structure, Magnetic and Mössbauer investigations

Complexes of general formula [(TPA)Fe(R-Cat)]X.nS were synthesised with different catecholate derivatives and anions (TPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, R-Cat2- = 4,5-(NO2)2-Cat2- denoted DNC(2-); 3,4,5,6-Cl4-Cat2- denoted TCC2-; 3-OMe-Cat(2-); 4-Me-Cat(2-) and X = BPh4-; NO3-; PF6-; ClO4-; S = solvent molecule). Their magnetic behaviours in the solid state show a general feature along the series, viz., the occurrence of a thermally-induced spin crossover process. The transition curves are continuous with transition temperatures ranging from ca. 84 to 257 K. The crystal structures of [(TPA)Fe(DNC)]X (X = PF6-; BPh4-) and [(TPA)Fe(TCC)]X.nS (X = PF6-; NO3- and n= 1, S = H2O; ClO4- and n= 1, S = H2O; BPh4- and n= 1, S = C3H6O) were solved at 100 (or 123 K) and 293 K. For those two systems, the characteristics of the [FeN(4)O(2)] coordination core and those of the dioxolene ligands appear to be consistent with a prevailing Fe(III)-catecholate formulation. This feature is in contrast with the large quantum mixing between Fe(III)-catecholate and Fe(II)-semiquinonate forms recently observed with the more electron donating simple catecholate dianion. The thermal spin crossover process is accompanied by significant changes of the molecular structures as shown by the average variation of the metal-ligand bond distances which can be extrapolated for a complete spin conversion from ca. 0.123 to 0.156 A. The different space groups were retained in the low- and high-temperature phases.

Mononuclear nonheme ferric-peroxo complex in aldehyde deformylation

A mononuclear nonheme ferric-peroxo complex bearing a macrocyclic tetradentate N4 ligand, [(TMC)Fe(III)-O2]+, was prepared and used in mechanistic studies of aldehyde deformylation; a catalytic aldehyde deformylation by a nonheme iron(II) complex, [Fe(II)(TMC)]2+, and molecular oxygen is reported as well.

Selective formation of a stable μ-peroxo ferric heme-CuIIcomplex from the corresponding μ-oxo FeIII–CuIIspecies with hydrogen peroxide

An oxo-bridged ferric heme-copper(II) complex, obtained by thermal transformation of the corresponding peroxo-bridged complex, was reacted with an equimolar amount of H2O2 to regenerate the micro-peroxo complex by a ligand exchange from oxo to peroxo, without the formation of a ferryl-oxo species or heme degradation as are observed in general ferric heme-H2O2 reactions.

Bioinspired hydrogen bond motifs in ligand design: the role of noncovalent interactions in metal ion mediated activation of dioxygen

Hydrogen bonds influence secondary coordination spheres around metal ions in many proteins. To duplicate these features of molecular architecture in synthetic systems, urea-based ligands have have been developed that create rigid organic frameworks when bonded to metal ions. These frameworks position hydro-gen bond donors proximal to metal ion(s) to form specific chem-ical microenvironments. Iron(II) and manganese(II) complexes with constrained cavities activate O(2), yielding M(III) (M(III) = Fe and Mn) complexes with terminal oxo ligands. Installation of anionic sites within the cavity assists the formation of complexes with M(II/III)-OH and M(III)-O units derived directly from water. Opening the cavity promotes M(mu-O)(2)M rhombs, as illustrated by isolation of a cobalt(III) analogue, the stability of which is promoted by the hydrogen bonds surrounding the bridging oxo ligands.

On the Gas-Phase Reactivity of Complexed OH+ with Halogenated Alkanes

OH(+) is an extraordinarily strong oxidant. Complexed forms (L--OH(+)), such as H(2)OOH(+), H(3)NOH(+), or iron-porphyrin-OH(+) are the anticipated oxidants in many chemical reactions. While these molecules are typically not stable in solution, their isolation can be achieved in the gas phase. We report a systematic survey of the influence on L on the reactivity of L--OH(+) towards alkanes and halogenated alkanes, showing the tremendous influence of L on the reactivity of L--OH(+). With the help of with quantum chemical calculations, detailed mechanistic insights on these very general reactions are gained. The gas-phase pseudo-first-order reaction rates of H(2)OOH(+), H(3)NOH(+), and protonated 4-picoline-N-oxide towards isobutane and different halogenated alkanes C(n)H(2n+1)Cl (n=1-4), HCF(3), CF(4), and CF(2)Cl(2) have been determined by means of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance measurements. Reaction rates for H(2)OOH(+) are generally fast (7.2x10(-10)-3.0x10(-9) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1)) and only in the cases HCF(3) and CF(4) no reactivity is observed. In contrast to this H(3)NOH(+) only reacts with tC(4)H(9)Cl (k(obs)=9.2x10(-10)), while 4-CH(3)-C(5)H(4)N-OH(+) is completely unreactive. While H(2)OOH(+) oxidizes alkanes by an initial hydride abstraction upon formation of a carbocation, it reacts with halogenated alkanes at the chlorine atom. Two mechanistic scenarios, namely oxidation at the halogen atom or proton transfer are found. Accurate proton affinities for HOOH, NH(2)OH, a series of alkanes C(n)H(2n+2) (n=1-4), and halogenated alkanes C(n)H(2n+1)Cl (n=1-4), HCF(3), CF(4), and CF(2)Cl(2), were calculated by using the G3 method and are in excellent agreement with experimental values, where available. The G3 enthalpies of reaction are also consistent with the observed products. The tendency for oxidation of alkanes by hydride abstraction is expressed in terms of G3 hydride affinities of the corresponding cationic products C(n)H(2n+1) (+) (n=1-4) and C(n)H(2n)Cl(+) (n=1-4). The hypersurface for the reaction of H(2)OOH(+) with CH(3)Cl and C(2)H(5)Cl was calculated at the B3 LYP, MP2, and G3(m*) level, underlining the three mechanistic scenarios in which the reaction is either induced by oxidation at the hydrogen or the halogen atom, or by proton transfer.

The reaction of [Fe(pic)3] with hydrogen peroxide: a UV-visible and EPR spectroscopic study (Hpic = picolinic acid)

The Gif family of catalysts, based on an iron salt and O2 or H2O2 in pyridine, allows the oxygenation of cyclic saturated hydrocarbons to ketones and alcohols under mild conditions. The reaction between [Fe(pic)3] and hydrogen peroxide in pyridine under GoAgg(III)(Fe(III)/Hpic catalyst) conditions was investigated by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Reactions were monitored at 430 and 520 nm over periods ranging from a few minutes to several hours at 20 degrees C. A number of kinetically stable intermediates were detected, and their relevance to the processes involved in the assembly of the active GoAgg(III) catalyst was determined by measuring the kinetics in the presence and absence of cyclohexane. EPR measurements at 110 K using hydrogen peroxide and t-BuOOH as oxidants were used to further probe these intermediates. Our results indicate that in wet pyridine [Fe(pic)3] undergoes reversible dissociation of one picolinate ligand, establishing an equilibrium with [Fe(pic)2(py)(OH)]. Addition of aqueous hydrogen peroxide rapidly generates the high-spin complex [Fe(pic)2(py)(eta1-OOH)] from the labilised hydroxy species. Subsequently the hydroperoxy species undergoes homolysis of the Fe-O bond, generating HOO. and [Fe(pic)2(py)2], the active oxygenation catalyst.

Synthesis of iron(ii), manganese(ii) cobalt(ii) and ruthenium(ii) complexes containing tridentate nitrogen ligands and their application in the catalytic oxidation of alkanes

A series of Fe(II), Mn(II), Co(II) and Ru(II) complexes containing bis(imino)pyridine or bis(amino)pyridine ligands and weakly coordinating triflate (OTf-) or non-coordinating SbF6- anions have been prepared. The complexes have been fully characterized including several solid-state structure analyses. Two unusual mono-chelate six-coordinate bis(imino)pyridine Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes have been observed. The catalytic properties of the complexes for the oxidation of cyclohexane with H2O2 have been evaluated. Only the Fe(II) complexes have shown catalytic activity, which is mainly due to Fenton-type free radical auto-oxidation.

4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase

4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) is an Fe(II)-dependent, non-heme oxygenase that catalyzes the conversion of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate to homogentisate. This reaction involves decarboxylation, substituent migration and aromatic oxygenation in a single catalytic cycle. HPPD is a member of the alpha-keto acid dependent oxygenases that typically require an alpha-keto acid (almost exclusively alpha-ketoglutarate) and molecular oxygen to either oxygenate or oxidize a third molecule. As an exception in this class of enzymes HPPD has only two substrates, does not use alpha-ketoglutarate, and incorporates both atoms of dioxygen into the aromatic product, homogentisate. The tertiary structure of the enzyme would suggest that its mechanism converged with that of other alpha-keto acid enzymes from an extradiol dioxygenase progenitor. The transformation catalyzed by HPPD has both agricultural and therapeutic significance. HPPD catalyzes the second step in the pathway for the catabolism of tyrosine, that is common to essentially all aerobic forms of life. In plants this pathway has an anabolic branch from homogentisate that forms essential isoprenoid redox cofactors such as plastoquinone and tocopherol. Naturally occurring multi-ketone molecules act as allelopathic agents by inhibiting HPPD and preventing the production of homogentisate and hence required redox cofactors. This has been the basis for the development of a range of very effective herbicides that are currently used commercially. In humans, deficiencies of specific enzymes of the tyrosine catabolism pathway give rise to a number of severe metabolic disorders. Interestingly, HPPD inhibitor/herbicide molecules act also as therapeutic agents for a number of debilitating and lethal inborn defects in tyrosine catabolism by preventing the accumulation of toxic metabolites.

Steric and electronic control over the reactivity of a thiolate-ligated Fe(II) complex with dioxygen and superoxide: reversible mu-oxo dimer formation

The reactivity between a thiolate-ligated five-coordinate complex [FeII(SMe2N4(tren))]+ (1) and dioxygen is examined in order to determine if O2 activation, resembling that of the metalloenzyme cytochrome P450, can be promoted even when O2 binds cis, as opposed to trans, to a thiolate. Previous work in our group showed that [FeII(SMe2N4(tren))]+ (1) reacts readily with superoxide (O2-) in the presence of a proton source to afford H2O2 via an Fe(III)-OOH intermediate, thus providing a biomimetic model for the metalloenzyme superoxide reductase (SOR). Addition of O2 to 1 affords binuclear mu-oxo-bridged [FeIII(SMe2N4(tren))]2(mu2-O)(PF6)2.3MeCN (3). At low temperatures, in protic solvents, an intermediate is detected, the details of which will be the subject of a separate paper. Although the thiolate ligand does not appear to perturb the metrical parameters of the unsupported mu-oxo bridge (Fe-O= 1.807(8) A, and Fe-O-Fe= 155.3(5) degrees fall in the usual range), it decreases the magnetic coupling between the irons (J=-28 cm(-1)) and creates a rather basic oxo site. Protonation of this oxo using strong (HBF4, HCl) or weak (HOAc, NH4PF6, LutNHCl) acids results in bridge cleavage to cleanly afford the corresponding monomeric anion-ligated (OAc- (6), or Cl- (7)) or solvent-ligated (MeCN (4)) derivatives. Addition of OH- converts [FeIII(SMe2N4(tren))(MeCN2+ (4) back to mu-oxo 3. Thus, mu-oxo bridge cleavage is reversible. The protonated mu-hydroxo-bridged intermediate is not observed. In an attempt to prevent mu-oxo dimer formation, and facilitate the observation of O2-bound intermediates, a bulkier tertiary amine ligand, tren-Et4= N-(2-amino-ethyl)-N-(2-diethylamino-ethyl)-N',N'-diethyl-ethane-1,2-diamine, and the corresponding [FeII(SMe2N4(tren-Et4))]+ (5) complex was synthesized and structurally characterized. Steric repulsive interactions create unusually long FeII-N(3,4) amine bonds in 5 (mean distance=2.219(1) A). The [(tren-Et4)N4SMe2]1- ligand is unable to accommodate iron in the +3 oxidation state, and consequently, in contrast to most thiolate-ligated Fe(II) complexes, [FeII(SMe2N4(tren-Et4))]+ (5) does not readily react with O2. Oxidation of 5 is irreversible, and the potential (Epa=+410 mV (vs SCE)) is anodically shifted relative to 1 (E1/2=-100 mV (vs SCE)).

Electronic substituent effects on the cleavage specificity of a non-heme Fe(2+)-dependent beta-diketone dioxygenase and their mechanistic implications

Acinetobacter johnsonii acetylacetone dioxygenase (Dke1) is a non-heme Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenase that cleaves C-C bonds in various beta-dicarbonyl compounds capable of undergoing enolization to a cis-beta-keto enol structure. Results from 18O labeling experiments and quantitative structure-reactivity relationship analysis of electronic substituent effects on the substrate cleavage specificity of Dke1 are used to distinguish between two principle chemical mechanisms of reaction: one involving a 1,2-dioxetane intermediate and another proceeding via Criegee rearrangement. Oxygenative cleavage of asymmetrically substituted beta-dicarbonyl substrates occurs at the bond adjacent to the most electron-deficient carbonyl carbon. Replacement of the acetyl group in 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione by a trifluoro-acetyl group leads to a complete reversal of cleavage frequency from 83% to only 8% fission of the bond next to the benzoyl moiety. The structure-activity correlation for Dke1 strongly suggests that enzymatic bond cleavage takes place via nucleophilic attack to generate a dioxetane, which then decomposes into the carboxylate and alpha-keto-aldehyde products.

Oxygenase activity in the self-hydroxylation of (s)-2-hydroxypropylphosphonic acid epoxidase involved in fosfomycin biosynthesis

The last step of the biosynthesis of fosfomycin is the conversion of (S)-2-hydroxypropylphosphonic acid (HPP) to fosfomycin by HPP epoxidase (HppE), which is a mononuclear non-heme iron-dependent enzyme. The apo-HppE from Streptomyces wedmorensis is colorless, but turns green with broad absorption bands at 430 and 680 nm after reconstitution with ferrous ion under aerobic conditions. Resonance Raman studies showed that this green chromophore arises from a bidentate iron(III)-catecholate (DOPA) complex, and the most likely site of modification is at Tyr105 on the basis of site-specific mutagenesis results. It was also found that reconstitution in the presence of ascorbate leads to the formation of additional DOPA that shows (18)O-incorporation from (18)O(2). Thus, HppE can act as an oxygenase via a putative high valent iron-oxo or an iron-hydroperoxo intermediate, just like other members of the family of non-heme iron enzymes. The oxygen activation mechanism for catalytic turnover is proposed to parallel that for self-hydroxylation.

The sulphur oxygenase reductase from Acidianus ambivalens is a multimeric protein containing a low-potential mononuclear non-haem iron centre

The SOR (sulphur oxygenase reductase) is the initial enzyme in the sulphur-oxidation pathway of Acidianus ambivalens. Expression of the sor gene in Escherichia coli resulted in active, soluble SOR and in inclusion bodies from which active SOR could be refolded as long as ferric ions were present in the refolding solution. Wild-type, recombinant and refolded SOR possessed indistinguishable properties. Conformational stability studies showed that the apparent unfolding free energy in water is approx. 5 kcal x mol(-1) (1 kcal=4.184 kJ), at pH 7. The analysis of the quaternary structures showed a ball-shaped assembly with a central hollow core probably consisting of 24 subunits in a 432 symmetry. The subunits form homodimers as the building blocks of the holoenzyme. Iron was found in the wild-type enzyme at a stoichiometry of one iron atom/subunit. EPR spectroscopy of the colourless SOR resulted in a single isotropic signal at g=4.3, characteristic of high-spin ferric iron. The signal disappeared upon reduction with dithionite or incubation with sulphur at elevated temperature. Thus both EPR and chemical analysis indicate the presence of a mononuclear iron centre, which has a reduction potential of -268 mV at pH 6.5. Protein database inspection identified four SOR protein homologues, but no other significant similarities. The spectroscopic data and the sequence comparison led to the proposal that the Acidianus ambivalens SOR typifies a new type of non-haem iron enzyme containing a mononuclear iron centre co-ordinated by carboxylate and/or histidine ligands.

Reactivity of Aqueous Fe(IV) in Hydride and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions

Oxidation of cyclobutanol by aqueous Fe(IV) generates cyclobutanone in approximately 70% yield. In addition to this two-electron process, a smaller fraction of the reaction takes place by a one-electron process, believed to yield ring-opened products. A series of aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, and ethers also react in parallel hydrogen atom and hydride transfer reactions, but acetone and acetonitrile react by hydrogen atom transfer only. Precise rate constants for each pathway for a number of substrates were obtained from a combination of detailed kinetics and product studies and kinetic simulations. Solvent kinetic isotope effect for the self-decay of Fe(IV), kH2O/kD2O = 2.8, is consistent with hydrogen atom abstraction from water.

Crystal Structure and Mechanistic Implications of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidase—The Ethylene-Forming Enzyme

The final step in the biosynthesis of the plant signaling molecule ethylene is catalyzed by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACCO). ACCO requires bicarbonate as an activator and catalyzes the oxidation of ACC to give ethylene, CO2, and HCN. We report crystal structures of ACCO in apo-form (2.1 A resolution) and complexed with Fe(II) (2.55 A) or Co(II) (2.4 A). The active site contains a single Fe(II) ligated by three residues (His177, Asp179, and His234), and it is relatively open compared to those of the 2-oxoglutarate oxygenases. The side chains of Arg175 and Arg244, proposed to be involved in binding bicarbonate, project away from the active site, but conformational changes may allow either or both to enter the active site. The structures will form a basis for future mechanistic and inhibition studies.

4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase: A Hybrid Density Functional Study of the Catalytic Reaction Mechanism

Density functional calculations using the B3LYP functional has been used to study the reaction mechanism of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase. The first part of the catalytic reaction, dioxygen activation, is found to have the same mechanism as in alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes; the ternary enzyme-substrate-dioxygen complex is first decarboxylated to the iron(II)-peracid intermediate, followed by heterolytic cleavage of the O-O bond yielding an iron(IV)-oxo species. This highly reactive intermediate attacks the aromatic ring at the C1 position and forms a radical sigma complex, which can either form an arene oxide or undergo a C1-C2 side-chain migration. The arene oxide is found to have no catalytic relevance. The side-chain migration is a two-step process; the carbon-carbon bond cleavage first affords a biradical intermediate, followed by a decay of this species forming the new C-C bond. The ketone intermediate formed by a 1,2 shift of an acetic acid group rearomatizes either at the active site of the enzyme or in solution. The hypothetical oxidation of the aromatic ring at the C2 position was also studied to shed light on the 4-HPPD product specificity. In addition, the benzylic hydroxylation reaction, catalyzed by 4-hydroxymandelate synthase, was also studied. The results are in good agreement with the experimental findings.

Spectroscopic and quantum chemical characterization of the electronic structure and bonding in a non-heme FeIV[double bond]O complex

High valent FeIV=O species are key intermediates in the catalytic cycles of many mononuclear non-heme iron enzymes involving the binding and activation of dioxygen. Using variable temperature magnetic circular dichroism (VT MCD) spectroscopy and experimentally calibrated density functional calculations, we are able to present the first detailed description of the electronic structure of a non-heme FeIV=O S = 1 complex. These studies define the nature of the FeIV=O bond and present the basis for understanding high-valent oxygen intermediates in non-heme iron enzymes.

A tetrahedrally coordinated L3Fe-Nx platform that accommodates terminal nitride (Fe(IV)N) and dinitrogen (Fe(I)-N2-Fe(I)) ligands

A tetrahedrally coordinated L3Fe-Nx platform that accommodates both terminal nitride (L3FeIVN) and dinitrogen (L3FeI-N2-FeIL3) functionalities is described. The diamagnetic L3FeIVN species featured has been characterized in solution under ambient conditions by multinuclear NMR (1H, 31P, and 15N) and infrared spectroscopy. The electronic structure of the title complex has also been explored using DFT. The terminal nitride complex oxidatively couples to generate the previously reported L3FeI-N2-FeIL3 species. This reaction constitutes a six-electron transformation mediated by two iron centers. Reductive protonation of the nitride complex releases NH3 as a significant reaction product.

The oxo/peroxo debate: a nonheme iron perspective

The oxygen activation mechanisms proposed for nonheme iron systems generally follow the heme paradigm in invoking the involvement of iron-peroxo and iron-oxo species in their catalytic cycles. However, the nonheme ligand environments allow for end-on and side-on dioxygen coordination and impart greater flexibility in the modes of dioxygen activation. The currently available evidence for nonheme iron-peroxo and iron-oxo intermediates is summarized and discussed in light of the ongoing discussion on the nature of the oxidant(s) in heme enzymes.

Further Mechanistic Information on the Reaction between FeIII(edta) and Hydrogen Peroxide: Observation of a Second Reaction Step and Importance of pH

A detailed study of the effect of buffer, temperature, and pressure on the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with [Fe(III)(edta)H(2)O](-) was performed using stopped-flow techniques. The reaction was found to consist of two steps and resulted in the formation of the already characterized high-spin Fe(III) side-on bound peroxo complex. The second step of the reaction was found to be independent of the hydrogen peroxide concentration. Formation of the purple peroxo complex is only observable above pH 7.5. Both reaction steps are affected by specific and general acid-catalysis. Five different buffer systems were used to clarify the role of general acid-catalysis in these reactions. Both reaction steps reveal an element of reversibility, which disappears on decreasing the acid concentration. The positive volumes of activation for both the forward and reverse reactions of the first step suggest a dissociative interchange substitution process for the reversible end-on binding of hydrogen peroxide to [Fe(III)(edta)H(2)O](-). The small negative volume of activation for the second reaction step suggests an associative interchange mechanism for the formation of the side-on bound peroxo complex that is accompanied by dissociation of one of the four carboxylates of edta. A detailed mechanism in agreement with all the reported kinetic data is presented.

EXAFS Spectroscopic Evidence for an Fe═O Unit in the Fe(IV) Intermediate Observed during Oxygen Activation by Taurine:α-Ketoglutarate Dioxygenase

The Fe(II)- and alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases catalyze hydroxylation reactions of considerable biomedical and environmental significance. Recently, the first oxidized iron intermediate in the reaction of a member of this family, taurine:alpha-ketoglutarate dioxygenase (TauD), was detected and shown to be a high-spin Fe(IV) complex. In this study we have used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to demonstrate the presence of a short (1.62 A) interaction between the iron and one of its ligands in the Fe(IV) intermediate but not in the Fe(II) starting complex. The detection of this interaction strongly corroborates the hypothesis that the intermediate contains an Fe=O structural motif.