Theoretical insights into M–SO bonds in transition metal-sulfur monoxide complexes [{N(SPMe2)2}2M(SO)] (M = Fe, Ru, Os): Assessment of density functionals and dispersion interactions

Benchmarking Density Functional Theory Methods for Metalloenzyme Reactions: The Introduction of the MME55 Set

We present a new benchmark set of metalloenzyme model reaction energies and barrier heights that we call MME55. The set contains 10 different enzymes, representing eight transition metals, both open and closed shell systems, and system sizes of up to 116 atoms. We use four DLPNO-CCSD(T)-based approaches to calculate reference values against which we then benchmark the performance of a range of density functional approximations with and without dispersion corrections. Dispersion corrections improve the results across the board, and triple-ζ basis sets provide the best balance of efficiency and accuracy. Jacob's ladder is reproduced for the whole set based on averaged mean absolute (percent) deviations, with the double hybrids SOS0-PBE0-2-D3(BJ) and revDOD-PBEP86-D4 standing out as the most accurate methods for the MME55 set. The range-separated hybrids ωB97M-V and ωB97X-V also perform well here and can be recommended as a reliable compromise between accuracy and efficiency; they have already been shown to be robust across many other types of chemical problems, as well. Despite the popularity of B3LYP in computational enzymology, it is not a strong performer on our benchmark set, and we discourage its use for enzyme energetics.

A sulfur monoxide complex of platinum fluoride with a positively charged ligand

A sulfur monoxide complex of platinum fluoride in the form of PtF₂(η¹-SO) was generated via the isomerization of a molecular complex Pt(SOF₂) in cryogenic matrixes under UV-vis irradiation. The infrared absorptions observed at 1205.4, 619.8 and 594.9 cm^-1 are assigned to the S-O, antisymmetric and symmetric F-Pt-F stretching vibrations of the PtF₂(η¹-SO) complex, which possesses nonplanar C_s symmetry with a singlet ground state according to density functional theory calculations. The experimental vibrational frequency and computed distance (1.449 Å) of the SO ligand indicate that the SO ligand features a positively charged character, which is further confirmed by natural bond orbital analysis and Mayer bond order. Such character is completely different from that for early transition metal-SO complexes and dioxygen complexes of platinum. Formation of the PtF₂(η¹-SO) complex was found to occur via the consecutive transfer of the two fluorine atoms from SOF₂ to Pt in the sulfur bound Pt(SOF₂) complex, which involves a series of intermediates on the basis of the mechanism study at the B3LYP level. Although the whole process is hindered by the large energy barrier encountered during the transfer of the first fluorine atom, UV-vis irradiation can provide sufficient energy to surmount this barrier and facilitates the formation of the nonplanar PtF₂(η¹-SO) complex stabilized in matrix.

Reactivity of Small Oxoacids of Sulfur

Oxidation of sulfide to sulfate is known to consist of several steps. Key intermediates in this process are the so-called small oxoacids of sulfur (SOS)—sulfenic HSOH (hydrogen thioperoxide, oxadisulfane, or sulfur hydride hydroxide) and sulfoxylic S(OH)₂ acids. Sulfur monoxide can be considered as a dehydrated form of sulfoxylic acid. Although all of these species play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and in organic synthesis, and are also invoked in biochemical processes, they are quite unstable compounds so much so that their physical and chemical properties are still subject to intense studies. It is well-established that sulfoxylic acid has very strong reducing properties, while sulfenic acid is capable of both oxidizing and reducing various substrates. Here, in this review, the mechanisms of sulfide oxidation as well as data on the structure and reactivity of small sulfur-containing oxoacids, sulfur monoxide, and its precursors are discussed.

Isolation and Characterization of a Non-Rigid Hexamethylbenzene-SO2+ Complex

During our studies towards the preparation of the pentagonal-pyramidal hexamethylbenzene dication C₆ (CH₃ )₆²⁺ , we isolated the unprecedented dicationic species C₆ (CH₃ )₆ SO²⁺  (AsF₆^- )₂ from the reaction of hexamethylbenzene with a mixture of anhydrous HF, AsF₅ , and liquid SO₂ . This compound can be understood as a complex of unknown SO²⁺ with hexamethylbenzene. Herein, we report on its synthesis, molecular structure, and spectroscopic characterization.