Das zweikernige CuA-Zentrum in Cytochrom-c-Oxidase und N2O-Reduktase – eine Metall-Metall-Bindung in Proteinen?

Cu K-edge EXAFS characterisation of copper(I) arenethiolate complexes in both the solid and liquid state: detection of Cu-Cu coordination

Herein we describe a structural characterisation with EXAFS of copper(I) arenethiolate complexes in both the solid and liquid state. Previously noted difficulties in the detection of the Cu-Cu interaction have been attributed to anti-phase behaviour of different Cu-Cu neighbour contributions. A data analysis procedure solely based on EXAFS parameters is presented which resolves these problems. A careful analysis of the individual coordination shells and the use of different k-weightings during the data analysis are shown to be an absolute necessity to obtain reliable results. During R-space fitting, the difference file technique is used to separate, examine and compare the individual contributions. Using this technique their statistical significance and correctness can be determined. Anti-phase behaviour can be detected and accounted for in this way. An additional mixed organocopper aggregate [Cu4(SAr)2(Mes)2] with different Cu sites is analysed, which proves the value of the analysis procedure described above. Moreover, this newly developed EXAFS data analysis procedure is applicable to any other EXAFS spectrum obtained. The structural analysis of these organocopper complexes with EXAFS provides information about their actual structure and dynamic behaviour in solution. The technique can now be used to obtain insights into the reactivity of these complexes and the way in which they form catalytic reaction intermediates.

Structural and Functional Models for the Dinuclear Copper Active Site in Catechol Oxidases: Syntheses, X-ray Crystal Structures, Magnetic and Spectral Properties, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic Studies in Solid State and in Solution

Two novel tridentate dinucleating ligands containing benzimidazole were prepared, 1,3-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2-propanol (Hbbp, 1) and 1,5-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-3-pentanol (Hbbpen, 2). Their complexing properties toward copper were studied in order to obtain structural and functional models for catechol oxidases. Syntheses and crystal structures of dinuclear Cu(II) complexes derived from these ligands are reported. [Cu(2)bbp(2)](ClO(4))(2).2MeOH, 3, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with the following unit cell parameters: a = 7.702(3) Å, b = 10.973(6) Å, c = 12.396(6) Å, alpha = 100.59(4) degrees, beta = 99.02(4) degrees, gamma = 98.90(4) degrees, V = 998.7(8) Å(3), and Z = 1. [Cu(2)bbpen(2)](ClO(4))(2).3MeOH, 4, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pccn, with the following unit cell parameters: a = 17.478(9) Å, b = 18.795(8) Å, c = 13.888(6) Å, V = 4562.2(4) Å(3), and Z = 4. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature ranges 4.6-459 K (3) and 4.6-425 K (4) indicate an antiferromagnetic coupling between the Cu(II) centers of both complexes. In order to determine the structures of the complexes in solution, XAS spectra (EXAFS and XANES) were recorded in the solid state and in solution. The interpretation of these data, including multiple scattering calculations, together with UV-vis titrations, shows that the complexes have the same structure in the crystalline state as well as in methanolic solution. Complex 4 is able to oxidize 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to the quinone (catecholase activity). This reaction was also studied by XAS and UV-vis spectroscopy. These measurements reveal the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) accompanied by a decrease of the coordination number.