Resonance raman investigation of equatorial ligand donor effects on the Cu(2)O(2)(2+) core in end-on and side-on mu-peroxo-dicopper(II) and bis-mu-oxo-dicopper(III) complexes

Synthetic Copper-(Di)oxygen Complex Generation and Reactivity Relevant to Copper Protein O2-Processing

Synthetic copper-dioxygen complex design, generation and characterization, play a crucial role in elucidating the structure/function of copper-based metalloenzymes, including dopamine β-monooxygenase, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases, particulate methane monooxygenase, tyrosinase, hemocyanin, and catechol oxidase. Designing suitable ligands to closely mimic the variable active sites found in these enzymes poses a challenging task for synthetic bioinorganic chemists. In this review, we have highlighted a few representative ligand systems capable of stabilizing various copper-dioxygen species such as CuII-(O2 •-)(superoxide), Cu2 II-(μ-η 1:η 1-O2 2-) (trans/cis-peroxide), Cu2 II-(μ-η 2:η 2-O2 2-)(side-on peroxide) and Cun II--OOH (hydroperoxide) species. Here, we discuss the ligand type utilized, syntheses, and spectroscopic characterization of these species. We also delineate reactivity patterns, particularly electrophilic arene hydroxylation by a side-on peroxo species which occurs via a "NIH shift" mechanism and thermodynamic-kinetic relationships among Cu2-(O2 •-)/O2 2-/-OOH moieties.

Generation and Reactivity of μ-1,2-Peroxo CuIICuII and Bis-μ-oxo CuIIICuIII Species and Catalytic Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol with Hydrogen Peroxide

Tetradentate-N4 ligands stabilize dinuclear {CuII(μ-1,2-peroxo)CuII} and {CuIII(μ-O)2CuIII} species, and CuII complexes of these ligands were reported to catalyze the oxidation of benzene with H2O2. Here, we report {CuII(μ-1,2-peroxo)CuII} and {CuIII(μ-O)2CuIII} intermediates of dinucleating bis(tetradentate-N4) ligands depending on the absence or presence of 6-methyl substituents on the terminal pyridine donors, respectively, generated either from {CuICuI} precursors with O2 or from {CuIICuII} precursors with H2O2 and NEt3. Both intermediates are not stable even at low temperatures, but they show no electrophilic HAT reactivity with DHA. Catalytic investigations on the hydroxylation of benzene with excess H2O2 between 30 and 50 °C indicate that both radical-based and {Cu2On}-based mechanisms depend strongly on the catalytic conditions. In the presence of a radical scavenger, TONs of ∼920/∼720 have been achieved without/with the 6-methyl group of the ligand. Although {CuII(μ-OH)CuII} reacts with excess H2O2 at -40 °C to {CuII(OOH)}2 species, these are only stable for seconds at 20 °C and cannot account for catalytic oxidations over a period of 24 h at 30-50 °C.

Counter-Anions Rendered Weak-Interactions Perturb the Stability of Tyrosinase-Mimicked Peroxo-Dicopper(II) Active Site: Unraveling Computational Indicators

It has been observed in literature that the stability of tyrosinase-mimicked μ-η2 :η2 -peroxo-dicopper(II) (P) can be perturbed in presence of counter-anions (CAs) such as PhCO2 - , CF3 SO3 - , TsO- and SbF6 - . In this work, we unravel computational indicators using density functional theory to screen and study the stability of P in experimentally-reported cases. These indicators are Gibbs energies, geometrical parameters such as distances and angles, independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) generated data, orbitals' overlap, and distortion-interaction (DI) energies. Our DFT computed Gibbs energies indicate that P is stable in case of PhCO2 - and TsO- . CF3 SO3 - allows P and its isoelectronic species bis-μ-oxo-dicopper (O) to coexist. SbF6 - shows that O is in excess. Our indicators reveal that the stability of P in case of PhCO2 - and TsO- is due to the better placing of P and its CA, thus leading to better interactions and overlap of orbitals. Other indicator displays that the plane of Cu2 O2 core in P is more bend in PhCO2 - and TsO- cases as compared to the plane in the other two cases. In addition, the IGMH-based indicator displays higher values in the case of PhCO2 - and TsO- than the other CAs.

The Role of Heme and Copper in Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Beyond the well-explored proposition of protein aggregation or amyloidosis as the central event in amyloidogenic diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2Dm); there are alternative hypotheses, now becoming increasingly evident, which suggest that the small biomolecules like redox noninnocent metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, etc.) and cofactors (Heme) have a definite influence in the onset and extent of such degenerative maladies. Dyshomeostasis of these components remains as one of the common features in both AD and T2Dm etiology. Recent advances in this course reveal that the metal/cofactor-peptide interactions and covalent binding can alarmingly enhance and modify the toxic reactivities, oxidize vital biomolecules, significantly contribute to the oxidative stress leading to cell apoptosis, and may precede the amyloid fibrils formation by altering their native folds. This perspective highlights this aspect of amyloidogenic pathology which revolves around the impact of the metals and cofactors in the pathogenic courses of AD and T2Dm including the active site environments, altered reactivities, and the probable mechanisms involving some highly reactive intermediates as well. It also discusses some in vitro metal chelation or heme sequestration strategies which might serve as a possible remedy. These findings might open up a new paradigm in our conventional understanding of amyloidogenic diseases. Moreover, the interaction of the active sites with small molecules elucidates potential biochemical reactivities that can inspire designing of drug candidates for such pathologies.

Controlling the Direction of S-Nitrosation versus Denitrosation: Reversible Cleavage and Formation of an S-N Bond within a Dicopper Center

Iron and copper enzymes are known to promote reversible S-nitrosation/denitrosation in biology. However, it is unclear how the direction of S-N bond formation/scission is controlled. Herein, we demonstrate the interconversion of metal-S-nitrosothiol adduct M(RSNO) and metal nitrosyl thiolate complex M(NO)(SR), which may regulate the direction of reversible S-(de)nitrosation. Treatment of a dicopper(I,I) complex with RSNO leads to a mixture of two structural isomers: dicopper(I,I) S-nitrosothiol [Cu^ICu^I(RSNO)]²⁺ and dicopper(II,II) nitrosyl thiolate [Cu^IICu^II(NO)(SR)]²⁺. The K_eq between these two structural isomers is sensitive to temperature, the solvent coordination ability, and counterions. Our study illustrates how copper centers can modulate the direction of RS-NO bond formation and cleavage through a minor perturbation of the local environment.

Modulation of a μ-1,2-Peroxo Dicopper(II) Intermediate by Strong Interaction with Alkali Metal Ions

The properties of metal/dioxygen species, which are key intermediates in oxidation catalysis, can be modulated by interaction with redox-inactive Lewis acids, but structural information about these adducts is scarce. Here we demonstrate that even mildly Lewis acidic alkali metal ions, which are typically viewed as innocent "spectators", bind strongly to a reactive cis-peroxo dicopper(II) intermediate. Unprecedented structural insight has now been obtained from X-ray crystallographic characterization of the "bare" Cu^II₂(μ-η¹:η¹-O₂) motif and its Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ complexes. UV-vis, Raman, and electrochemical studies show that the binding persists in MeCN solution, growing stronger in proportion to the cation's Lewis acidity. The affinity for Li⁺ is surprisingly high (∼70 × 10⁴ M^-1), leading to Li⁺ extraction from its crown ether complex. Computational analysis indicates that the alkali ions influence the entire Cu-OO-Cu core, modulating the degree of charge transfer from copper to dioxygen. This induces significant changes in the electronic, magnetic, and electrochemical signatures of the Cu₂O₂ species. These findings have far-reaching implications for analyses of transient metal/dioxygen intermediates, which are often studied in situ, and they may be relevant to many (bio)chemical oxidation processes when considering the widespread presence of alkali cations in synthetic and natural environments.

Using a monocopper-superoxo complex to prepare multicopper-peroxo species relevant to proposed enzyme intermediates

With the goal of generating a (peroxo)tricopper species analogous to the Peroxy Intermediate proposed for multicopper oxidases, solutions of the copper-superoxide complex [K(Krypt)][LCuO₂] (L = N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide, Krypt = 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) were reacted with the dicopper(I) complex [(TPBN)Cu₂(MeCN)₂][PF₆]₂ at -70 °C (TPBN = N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-diaminobutane). A metastable intermediate formed, which on the basis of UV-vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopy was proposed to derive from reaction of two equivalents of the copper-superoxide with one equivalent of the dicopper(I) complex to yield a complex with two (peroxo)dicopper moieties rather than the desired (peroxo)tricopper PI model. A similar intermediate formed upon reaction of [K(Krypt)][LCuO₂] with [(BPMA)Cu(MeCN)][PF₆] (BPMA = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-methyl-amine), which contained the same donor set as provided by TPBN. Comparison of resonance Raman data and consideration of structural preferences for LCuX species led to hypothesis of a μ-η¹:η²-peroxo structure for both intermediates.

Intermediates involved in serotonin oxidation catalyzed by Cu bound Aβ peptides

The degradation of neurotransmitters is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Copper bound Aβ peptides, invoked to be involved in the pathology of AD, are found to catalyze the oxidation of serotonin (5-HT) by H₂O₂. A combination of EPR and resonance Raman spectroscopy reveals the formation of a Cu(ii)–OOH species and a dimeric, EPR silent, Cu₂O₂ bis-μ-oxo species under the reaction conditions. The Cu(ii)–OOH species, which can be selectively formed in the presence of excess H₂O₂, is the reactive intermediate responsible for 5-HT oxidation. H₂O₂ produced by the reaction of O₂ with reduced Cu(i)–Aβ species can also oxidize 5-HT. Both these pathways are physiologically relevant and may be involved in the observed decay of neurotransmitters as observed in AD patients.

The mononuclear copper hydroperoxo species (Cu(ii)–OOH) of Cu–Aβ is the active oxidant responsible for serotonin oxidation by Cu–Aβ in the presence of physiologically relevant oxidants like O₂ and H₂O₂, which can potentially cause oxidative degradation of neurotransmitters, a marker of Alzheimer's disease.

Theoretical rationalization for the equilibrium between (μ-η2:η2-peroxido)CuIICuII and bis(μ-oxido)CuIIICuIII complexes: perturbational effects from ligand frameworks

DFT calculations are carried out to investigate the geometric effects of the supporting ligands in the relative energies of the (μ-η2:η2-peroxido)CuIICuII complex 1 and the bis(μ-oxido)CuIIICuIII complex 2. The N3-tridentate ligand bearing acyclic propane diamine framework La preferentially provided 1, whereas the N3-tridentate ligand with cyclic diamine framework such as 1,4-diazacycloheptane Lb gave 2 after the oxygenation of the corresponding CuI complexes as reported previously [S. Itoh, et al., Inorg. Chem., 2014, 53, 8786-8794]. Calculations at the B3LYP*-D3 level of theory can reasonably explain the experimental results in relative energies, structures and harmonic frequencies of 1 and 2. Perturbational effects of the diamine chelates of La and Lb especially on the equilibrium of 1 and 2 are investigated in detail. In the range from 2.30 Å to 3.40 Å of the N-N distance in the diamine moiety, 1 is more stable than 2 by 8.4 kcal mol-1 at the distance of 3.40 Å. Calculated potential energies indicate that the decrease in the N-N distance is associated with a decrease in energy of 2, leading that 2 can be most stabilized at the N-N distance of 2.60 Å. Furthermore, molecular orbitals analyses are performed to explain that the energy gaps between the σ* orbital of the O-O bond and the dx2-y2 orbitals of the CuII ions of 1 get small as the diamine moiety is shrunk, leading to facilitate the O-O bond cleavage from 1 to 2.

Consequences of exchange-site heterogeneity and dynamics on the UV-visible spectrum of Cu-exchanged SSZ-13

The speciation and structure of Cu ions and complexes in chabazite (SSZ-13) zeolites, which are relevant catalysts for nitrogen oxide reduction and partial methane oxidation, depend on material composition and reaction environment. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra of Cu-SSZ-13 zeolites synthesized to contain specific Cu site motifs, together with ab initio molecular dynamics and time-dependent density functional theory calculations, were used to test the ability to relate specific spectroscopic signatures to specific site motifs. Geometrically distinct arrangements of two framework Al atoms in six-membered rings are found to exchange Cu2+ ions that become spectroscopically indistinguishable after accounting for the finite-temperature fluctuations of the Cu coordination environment. Nominally homogeneous single Al exchange sites are found to exchange a heterogeneous mixture of [CuOH]+ monomers, O- and OH-bridged Cu dimers, and larger polynuclear complexes. The UV-Vis spectra of the latter are sensitive to framework Al proximity, to precise ligand environment, and to finite-temperature structural fluctuations, precluding the precise assignment of spectroscopic features to specific Cu structures. In all Cu-SSZ-13 samples, these dimers and larger complexes are reduced by CO to Cu+ sites at 523 K, leaving behind isolated [CuOH]+ sites with a characteristic spectroscopic identity. The various mononuclear and polynuclear Cu2+ species are distinguishable by their different responses to reducing environments, with implications for their relevance to catalytic redox reactions.

Synthetic Fe/Cu Complexes: Toward Understanding Heme-Copper Oxidase Structure and Function

Heme-copper oxidases (HCOs) are terminal enzymes on the mitochondrial or bacterial respiratory electron transport chain, which utilize a unique heterobinuclear active site to catalyze the 4H+/4e- reduction of dioxygen to water. This process involves a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) from a tyrosine (phenolic) residue and additional redox events coupled to transmembrane proton pumping and ATP synthesis. Given that HCOs are large, complex, membrane-bound enzymes, bioinspired synthetic model chemistry is a promising approach to better understand heme-Cu-mediated dioxygen reduction, including the details of proton and electron movements. This review encompasses important aspects of heme-O2 and copper-O2 (bio)chemistries as they relate to the design and interpretation of small molecule model systems and provides perspectives from fundamental coordination chemistry, which can be applied to the understanding of HCO activity. We focus on recent advancements from studies of heme-Cu models, evaluating experimental and computational results, which highlight important fundamental structure-function relationships. Finally, we provide an outlook for future potential contributions from synthetic inorganic chemistry and discuss their implications with relevance to biological O2-reduction.

Copper(i) complexes based on ligand systems with two different binding sites: synthesis, structures and reaction with O2

The synthesis of the ligand systems L1 and L2 with two different N₃-binding sites linked through a dibenzofuran spacer and their coordination properties towards a variety of Cu^I precursors are reported. The reaction of L1 with copper halides leads to the formation of a bimetallic species [(L1)(Cu^ICl)₂] (1), and metallodimers [((L1)(Cu^IX)₂)₂(μ-(Cu)(μ-X)₂)] (2: X = Br, 3: X = I) in which two dicopper complexes are bridged by a (μ-(Cu)(μ-X)₂)-moiety whereas L2 reacts with copper chloride to afford {[Cu(L2)Cl₂]}_n (8). Furthermore, starting from L1 in combination with copper(i) salts of weakly coordinating anions the dicopper complexes [(L1)(Cu^I(NCCH₃))₂](BF₄)₂ (4), [(L1)(Cu^I(NCCH₃))(Cu(Y))](Y) (5: Y = OTf, 6: Y = ClO₄) and [(L1)(Cu(dppe))](PF₆)₂ (7) were isolated, and employing L2, the complexes [(L2)(Cu^I(NCCH₃))₂](Z)₂ (9: Z = PF₆, 10: Z = OTf) and [(L2)(Cu(dppe))](PF₆)₂ (11) were obtained. Complexes 4-6 as well as 9 and 10 react rapidly with O₂ to form metastable O₂ adducts in acetone at -90 °C, where O₂ is bound between the two copper centers within one dicopper molecule, as evidenced by UV/Vis spectroscopy, kinetic investigations, Raman spectroscopy and studies with ligands containing the isolated donor sites. The reactivity of the O₂ adducts towards selected substrates was also investigated, showing their ability to act as electrophiles as well as nucleophiles.

Dialing in single-site reactivity of a supported calixarene-protected tetrairidium cluster catalyst

A closed Ir₄ carbonyl cluster, 1, comprising a tetrahedral metal frame and three sterically bulky tert-butyl-calix[4]arene(OPr)₃(OCH₂PPh₂) (Ph = phenyl; Pr = propyl) ligands at the basal plane, was characterized with variable-temperature ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, which show the absence of scrambling of the CO ligands at temperatures up to 313 K. This demonstration of distinct sites for the CO ligands was found to extend to the reactivity and catalytic properties, as shown by selective decarbonylation in a reaction with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as an oxidant, which, reacting in the presence of ethylene, leads to the selective bonding of an ethyl ligand at the apical Ir site. These clusters were supported intact on porous silica and found to catalyze ethylene hydrogenation, and a comparison of the kinetics of the single-hydrogenation reaction and steady-state hydrogenation catalysis demonstrates a unique single-site catalyst-with each site having the same catalytic activity. Reaction orders in the catalytic ethylene hydrogenation reaction of approximately 1/2 and 0 for H₂ and C₂H₄, respectively, nearly match those for conventional noble-metal catalysts. In contrast to oxidative decarbonylation, thermal desorption of CO from silica-supported cluster 1 occurred exclusively at the basal plane, giving rise to sites that do not react with ethylene and are catalytically inactive for ethylene hydrogenation. The evidence of distinctive sites on the cluster catalyst leads to a model that links to hydrogen-transfer catalysis on metals-involving some surface sites that bond to both hydrocarbon and hydrogen and are catalytically engaged (so-called "*" sites) and others, at the basal plane, which bond hydrogen and CO but not hydrocarbon and are reservoir sites (so-called "S" sites).

Copper-Oxygen Complexes Revisited: Structures, Spectroscopy, and Reactivity

A longstanding research goal has been to understand the nature and role of copper-oxygen intermediates within copper-containing enzymes and abiological catalysts. Synthetic chemistry has played a pivotal role in highlighting the viability of proposed intermediates and expanding the library of known copper-oxygen cores. In addition to the number of new complexes that have been synthesized since the previous reviews on this topic in this journal (Mirica, L. M.; Ottenwaelder, X.; Stack, T. D. P. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 1013-1046 and Lewis, E. A.; Tolman, W. B. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 1047-1076), the field has seen significant expansion in the (1) range of cores synthesized and characterized, (2) amount of mechanistic work performed, particularly in the area of organic substrate oxidation, and (3) use of computational methods for both the corroboration and prediction of proposed intermediates. The scope of this review has been limited to well-characterized examples of copper-oxygen species but seeks to provide a thorough picture of the spectroscopic characteristics and reactivity trends of the copper-oxygen cores discussed.

Dioxygen Activation by a Macrocyclic Copper Complex Leads to a Cu2O2 Core with Unexpected Structure and Reactivity

We report the Cu(I)/O2 chemistry of complexes derived from the macrocylic ligands 14-TMC (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and 12-TMC (1,4,7,10-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). While [(14-TMC)Cu(I)](+) is unreactive towards dioxygen, the smaller analog [(12-TMC)Cu(I)(CH3CN)](+) reacts with O2 to give a side-on bound peroxo-dicopper(II) species ((S)P), confirmed by spectroscopic and computational methods. Intriguingly, 12-TMC as a N4 donor ligand generates (S)P species, thus in contrast with the previous observation that such species are generated by N2 and N3 ligands. In addition, the reactivity of this macrocyclic side-on peroxo-dicopper(II) differs from typical (S)P species, because it reacts only with acid to release H2O2, in contrast with the classic reactivity of Cu2O2 cores. Kinetics and computations are consistent with a protonation mechanism whereby the TMC acts as a hemilabile ligand and shuttles H(+) to an isomerized peroxo core.

Enhanced activity of H2O2-treated copper(ii) oxide nanostructures for the electrochemical evolution of oxygen

H₂O₂-treated CuO nanostructures show 40–68× higher OER activity than Cu nanoparticles.

Laser-Induced Dynamics of Peroxodicopper(II) Complexes Vary with the Ligand Architecture. One-Photon Two-Electron O2 Ejection and Formation of Mixed-Valent Cu(I)Cu(II)-Superoxide Intermediates

Photoexcitation of end-on trans-μ-1,2-peroxodicopper(II) complex [(tmpa)2Cu(II)2(O2)](2+) (1) (λmax = 525 and 600 nm) and side-on μ-η(2):η(2)-peroxodicopper(II) complexes [(N5)Cu(II)2(O2)](2+) (2) and [(N3)Cu(II)2(O2)](2+) (3) at -80 °C in acetone led to one-photon two-electron peroxide-to-dioxygen oxidation chemistry (O2(2-) + hν → O2 + 2e(-)). Interestingly, light excitation of 2 and 3 (having side-on μ-η(2):η(2)-peroxo ligation) led to release of dioxygen, while photoexcitation of 1 (having an end-on trans-1,2-peroxo geometry) did not, even though spectroscopic studies revealed that both reactions proceeded through previously unknown mixed-valent superoxide species: [Cu(II)(O2(•-))Cu(I)](2+) (λmax = 685-740 nm). For 1, this intermediate underwent further fast intramolecular electron transfer to yield an "O2-caged" dicopper(I) adduct, Cu(I)2-O2, and a barrierless stepwise back electron transfer to regenerate 1 occurred. Femtosecond laser excitation of 2 and 3 under the same conditions still led to [Cu(II)(O2(•-))Cu(I)](2+) intermediates that, instead, underwent O2 release with a quantum yield of 0.14 ± 0.1 for 3. Such remarkable differences in reaction pathways likely result from the well-known ligand-derived stability of 2 and 3 vs 1 indicated by ligand-Cu(II/I) redox potentials; (N5)Cu(I) and (N3)Cu(I) complexes are far more stable than (tmpa)Cu(I) species. The fast Cu(I)2/O2 rebinding kinetics was also measured after photoexcitation of 2 and 3, with the results closely tracking those known for the dicopper proteins hemocyanin and tyrosinase, for which the synthetic dicopper(I) precursors [(N5)Cu(I)2](2+) and [(N3)Cu(I)2](2+) and their dioxygen adducts serve as models. The biological relevance of the present findings is discussed, including the potential impact on the solar water splitting process.

Access to a Cu(II)-O-Cu(II) motif: spectroscopic properties, solution structure, and reactivity

We report a complex with a rare Cu(II)-O-Cu(II) structural motif that is stable at room temperature, which allows its in-depth characterization by a variety of spectroscopic methods. Interest in such compounds is fueled by the recent discovery that a Cu(II)-O-Cu(II) species on the surface of Cu-ZSM-5 is capable of oxidizing methane to methanol, and this in turn ties into mechanistic discussions on the methane oxidation at the dicopper site within the particulate methane monooxygenase. For the synthesis of our Cu2O complex we have developed a novel, neutral ligand system, FurNeu, exhibiting two N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amino binding pockets connected by a dibenzofuran spacer. The reaction of FurNeu with CuCl yielded [FurNeu](Cu2(μ-Cl))(CuCl2), 1, demonstrating the geometric potential of the ligand to stabilize Cu-X-Cu moieties. A Cu(I) precursor with weakly coordinating anions was chosen in the next step, namely [Cu(NCCH3)4]OTf, which led to the formation of [FurNeu](Cu(NCCH3))2(OTf)2, 3. Treatment of 3 with O2 or PhIO led to identical green solutions, whose UV-vis spectra were markedly different from the one displayed by [FurNeu](Cu)2(OTf)4, 4, prepared independently from FurNeu and Cu(OTf)2. Further investigations including PhIO consumption experiments, NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, HR-ESI mass spectrometry, and protonation studies led to the identification of the green product as [FurNeu](Cu2(μ-O))(OTf)2, 5. DOSY NMR spectroscopy confirmed its monomeric character. Over longer periods of time 5 decomposes to give [Cu(picoloyl)2], formed through an oxidative N-dealkylation reaction followed by further oxidation of the ligand. Due to its slow decomposition reaction, all attempts to crystallize 5 failed. However, its structure in solution could be determined by EXAFS analysis in combination with DFT calculations, which revealed a Cu-O-Cu angle that amounts to 105.17°. Moreover, TDDFT calculations helped to rationalize the UV-vis absorptions of 5. The reactivity of complex 5 with 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, DTBP, was also investigated; the initially formed biphenol product, TBBP, was found to further react in the presence of excessive O2 to yield 2,4,7,9-tetra-tert-butyloxepino[2,3-b]benzofuran, TBOBF, via an intermediate diphenoquinone. It turned out that 5, or its precursor 3, can even be employed as a catalyst for the oxidation of DTBP to TBBP or for the oxidation of TBBP to TBOBF.

Correlation between structural, spectroscopic, and reactivity properties within a series of structurally analogous metastable manganese(III)-alkylperoxo complexes

Manganese-peroxos are proposed as key intermediates in a number of important biochemical and synthetic transformations. Our understanding of the structural, spectroscopic, and reactivity properties of these metastable species is limited, however, and correlations between these properties have yet to be established experimentally. Herein we report the crystallographic structures of a series of structurally related metastable Mn(III)-OOR compounds, and examine their spectroscopic and reactivity properties. The four reported Mn(III)-OOR compounds extend the number of known end-on Mn(III)-(η(1)-peroxos) to six. The ligand backbone is shown to alter the metal-ligand distances and modulate the electronic properties key to bonding and activation of the peroxo. The mechanism of thermal decay of these metastable species is examined via variable-temperature kinetics. Strong correlations between structural (O-O and Mn···N(py,quin) distances), spectroscopic (E(πv*(O-O) → Mn CT band), ν(O-O)), and kinetic (ΔH(‡) and ΔS(‡)) parameters for these complexes provide compelling evidence for rate-limiting O-O bond cleavage. Products identified in the final reaction mixtures of Mn(III)-OOR decay are consistent with homolytic O-O bond scission. The N-heterocyclic amines and ligand backbone (Et vs Pr) are found to modulate structural and reactivity properties, and O-O bond activation is shown, both experimentally and theoretically, to track with metal ion Lewis acidity. The peroxo O-O bond is shown to gradually become more activated as the N-heterocyclic amines move closer to the metal ion causing a decrease in π-donation from the peroxo πv*(O-O) orbital. The reported work represents one of very few examples of experimentally verified relationships between structure and function.

Mechanistic Insights into the Aerobic Cu(I)-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of S-Acyl Thiosalicylamide Thiol Esters and Boronic Acids

The Density Functional Theory (DFT) method is used to elucidate the nature of the active species and the mechanism of the aerobic Cu^I-catalyzed cross-coupling of S-acyl thiosalicylamide thiol esters and boronic acids reported previously (J. Am. Chem. Soc.2007, 129, 15734-15735; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed.2009,48, 1417-1421). The energetically lowest isomer of the proposed active species [LC(O)R¹]Cu-(O₂)-Cu[LC(O)R¹]²⁺, 2a, (where L = thiolatosalicylamide) is found to be I1_(OO,OO) with a μ-η²:η²-peroxo Cu₂O₂-core, while its isomers I2_(OO,OO) with a bis-(μ-O) Cu₂O₂-core and I3_(OO,OO) with a (μ-η¹:η¹) Cu₂O₂-core lie only a few kcal/mol higher and separated by 4-7kcal/mol energy barriers. In all these isomers, the thiol ester is coordinated to the Cu-centers via its two O-ends. Isomers with (SO,OO) and (SO,SO) coordination modes of the thiol esters lie slightly higher and are separated with moderate energy barriers. We found the latter isomers to be vital for the reported Cu^I-templated cross-coupling of S-acyl thiosalicylamide thiol esters and boronic acids under aerobic conditions. The presence of an anion (halide, carboxylate modeled as formate) in the reaction medium is found to be necessary. Its coordination to the active catalyst I1_(SO,SO) is the first step of the proposed anion-assisted transmetalation by boronic acid. Overall the transmetalation reaction requires 34.0 kcal/mol and is 24.0 kcal/mol exergonic. This conclusion is in reasonable agreement with available experiments. The C-C bond formation in the transmetalation product requires a 6.3 kcal/mol lower energy barrier and is highly exergonic.

Dioxygen reactivity of new bispidine-copper complexes

The reactivity of copper complexes of three different second-generation bispidine-based ligands (bispidine = 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane; mono- and bis-tetradentate; exclusively tertiary amine donors) with dioxygen [(reversible) binding of dioxygen by copper(I)] is reported. The UV-vis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, and vibrational spectra (resonance Raman) of the dioxygen adducts indicate that, depending on the ligand and reaction conditions, several different species (mono- and dinuclear, superoxo, peroxo, and hydroperoxo), partially in equilibrium with each other, are formed. Minor changes in the ligand structure and/or experimental conditions (solvent, temperature, relative concentrations) allow switching between the different forms. With one of the ligands, an end-on peroxodicopper(II) complex and a mononuclear hydroperoxocopper(II) complex could be characterized. With another ligand, reversible dioxygen binding was observed, leading to a metastable superoxocopper(II) complex. The amount of dioxygen involved in the reversible binding to Cu(I) was determined quantitatively. The mechanism of dioxygen binding as well as the preference of each of the three ligands for a particular dioxygen adduct is discussed on the basis of a computational (density functional theory) analysis.

Reversible dioxygen binding and arene hydroxylation reactions: Kinetic and thermodynamic studies involving ligand electronic and structural variations

Copper-dioxygen interactions are of intrinsic importance in a wide range of biological and industrial processes. Here, we present detailed kinetic/thermodynamic studies on the O(2)-binding and arene hydroxylation reactions of a series of xylyl-bridged binuclear copper(I) complexes, where the effects of ligand electronic and structural elements on these reactions are investigated. Ligand 4-pyridyl substituents influence the reversible formation of side-on bound μ-η(2):η(2)-peroxodicopper(II) complexes, with stronger donors leading to more rapid formation and greater thermodynamic stability of product complexes [Cu(II) (2)((R)XYL)(O(2) (2-))](2+). An interaction of the latter with the xylyl π-system is indicated. Subsequent peroxo electrophilic attack on the arene leads to C-H activation and oxygenation with hydroxylated products [Cu(II) (2)((R)XYLO(2-))((-)OH)](2+) being formed. A related unsymmetrical binucleating ligand was also employed. Its corresponding O(2)-adduct [Cu(II) (2)(UN)(O(2) (2-))](2+) is more stable, but primarily because the subsequent decay by hydroxylation is in a relative sense slower. The study emphasizes how ligand electronic effects can and do influence and tune copper(I)-dioxygen complex formation and subsequent reactivity.

Sulfur donor atom effects on copper(I)/O(2) chemistry with thioanisole containing tetradentate N(3)S ligand leading to μ-1,2-peroxo-dicopper(II) species

To better understand the effect of thioether coordination in copper-O(2) chemistry, the tetradentate N(3)S ligand L(ASM) (2-(methylthio)-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)benzenamine) and related alkylether ligand L(EOE) (2-ethoxy-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine) have been studied. The corresponding copper(I) complexes, [(L(ASM))Cu(I)](+) (1a) and [(L(EOE))Cu(I)](+) (3a), were studied as were the related compound [(L(ESE))Cu(I)](+) (2a, L(ESE) = (2-ethylthio-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine). The X-ray structure of 1a and its solution conductivity reveal a monomeric molecular structure possessing thioether coordination which persists in solution. In contrast, the C-O stretching frequencies of the derivative Cu(I)-CO complexes reveal that for these complexes, the modulated ligand arms, whether arylthioether, alkylthioether, or ether, are not coordinated to the cuprous ion. Electrochemical data for 1a and 2a in CH(3)CN and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) show the thioanisole moiety to be a poor electron donor compared to alkylthioether (1a is ∼200 mV more positive than 2a). The structures of [(L(ASM))Cu(II)(CH(3)OH)](2+) (1c) and [(L(ESE))Cu(II)(CH(3)OH)](2+) (2c) have also been obtained and indicate nearly identical copper coordination environments. Oxygenation of 1a at reduced temperature gives a characteristic deep blue intermediate [{(L(ASM))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (1b(P)) with absorption features at 442 (1,500 M(-1) cm(-1)), 530 (8,600 M(-1) cm(-1)), and 605 nm (10,400 M(-1) cm(-1)); these values compare well to the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) transitions previously reported for [{(L(ESE))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (2b(P)). Resonance Raman data for [{(L(ASM))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (1b(P)) support the formation of μ-1,2-peroxo species ν(O-O) = 828 cm(-1)(Δ((18)O(2)) = 48), ν(sym)(Cu-O) = 547 cm(-1) (Δ((18)O(2)) = 23), and ν(asym)(Cu-O) = 497 cm(-1) (Δ((18)O(2)) = 22) and suggest the L(ASM) ligand is a poorer electron donor to copper than is L(ESE). In contrast, the oxygenation of [(L(EOE))Cu(I)](+) (3a), possessing an ether donor as an analogue of the thioether in L(ESE), led to the formation of a bis(μ-oxo) species [{(L(EOE))Cu(III)}(2)(O(2-))(2)](2+) (3b(O); 380 nm, ε ∼ 10,000 M(-1) cm(-1)). This result provides further support for the sulfur influence in 1b(P) and 2b(P), in particular coordination of the sulfur to the Cu. Thermal decomposition of 1b(P) is accompanied by ligand sulfoxidation. The structure of [{(L(EOE))Cu(II)(Cl)}(2)](+) (3c) generated from the reductive dehalogenation of organic chlorides suggests that the ether moiety is weakly bound to the cupric ion. A detailed discussion of the spectroscopic and structural characteristics of 1b(P), 2b(P), and 3b(O) is presented.

An anionic, tetragonal copper(II) superoxide complex

Insight into copper-oxygen species proposed as intermediates in oxidation catalysis is provided by the identification of a Cu(II)-superoxide complex supported by a sterically hindered, pyridinedicarboxamide ligand. A tetragonal, end-on superoxide structure is proposed based on DFT calculations and UV-vis, NMR, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopy. The complex yields a trans-1,2-peroxodicopper(II) species upon reaction with [(tmpa)Cu(CH(3)CN)]OTf and, unlike other known Cu(II)-superoxide complexes, acts as a base rather than an electrophilic (H-atom abstracting) reagent in reactions with phenols.

Toluene and ethylbenzene aliphatic C-H bond oxidations initiated by a dicopper(II)-mu-1,2-peroxo complex

With an anisole-containing polypyridylamine potential tetradentate ligand (O)L, a mu-1,2-peroxo-dicopper(II) complex [{(O)LCu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) forms from the reaction of the mononuclear compound [Cu(I)((O)L)(MeCN)]B(C(6)F(5))(4) ((O)LCu(I)) with O(2) in noncoordinating solvents at -80 degrees C. Thermal decay of this peroxo complex in the presence of toluene or ethylbenzene leads to rarely seen C-H activation chemistry; benzaldehyde and acetophenone/1-phenylethanol mixtures, respectively, are formed. Experiments with (18)O(2) confirm that the oxygen source in the products is molecular O(2) and deuterium labeling experiments indicate k(H)/k(D) = 7.5 +/- 1 for the toluene oxygenation. The O(2)-reaction of [Cu(I)((Bz)L)(CH(3)CN)](+) ((Bz)LCu(I)) leads to a dicopper(III)-bis-mu-oxo species [{(Bz)LCu(III)}(2)(mu-O(2-))(2)](2+) at -80 degrees C, and from such solutions, very similar toluene oxygenation chemistry occurs. Ligand (Bz)L is a tridentate chelate, possessing the same moiety found in (O)L, but without the anisole O-atom donor. In these contexts, the nature of the oxidant species in or derived from [{(O)LCu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) is discussed and likely mechanisms of reaction initiated by toluene H-atom abstraction chemistry are detailed. To confirm the structural formulations of the dioxygen-adducts, UV-vis and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies have been carried out and these results are reported and compared to previously described systems including [{Cu(II)((Py)L)}(2)(O(2))](2+) ((Py)L = TMPA = tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine). Using (L)Cu(I), CO-binding properties (i.e., nu(C-O) values) along with electrochemical property comparisons, the relative donor abilities of (O)L, (Bz)L, and (Py)L are assessed.

Thioether S-ligation in a side-on micro-eta2:eta2-peroxodicopperii complex

[(ANS)Cu(I)(CH(3)CN)](+) reacts with O(2) giving [{(ANS)Cu(II)}(2)(micro-eta(2):eta(2)-O(2)(2-))](2+), nu(O-O) = 731 cm(-1), shown to possess S-thioether ligation, based on comparisons with analogues having all N-ligands or a -S(Ph) group. The finding is a rare occurrence and new for side-on O(2)(2-) binding.

Reaction coordinate of a functional model of tyrosinase: spectroscopic and computational characterization

The mu-eta(2):eta(2)-peroxodicopper(II) complex synthesized by reacting the Cu(I) complex of the bis-diamine ligand N,N'-di-tert-butyl-ethylenediamine (DBED) with O(2) is a functional and spectroscopic model of the coupled binuclear copper protein tyrosinase. This complex reacts with 2,4-di-tert-butylphenolate at low temperature to produce a mixture of the catechol and quinone products, which proceeds through three intermediates (A-C) that have been characterized. A, stabilized at 153 K, is characterized as a phenolate-bonded bis-mu-oxo dicopper(III) species, which proceeds at 193 K to B, presumably a catecholate-bridged coupled bis-copper(II) species via an electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism wherein aromatic ring distortion is the rate-limiting step. Isotopic labeling shows that the oxygen inserted into the aromatic substrate during hydroxylation derives from dioxygen, and a late-stage ortho-H(+) transfer to an exogenous base is associated with C-O bond formation. Addition of a proton to B produces C, determined from resonance Raman spectra to be a Cu(II)-semiquinone complex. The formation of C (the oxidation of catecholate and reduction to Cu(I)) is governed by the protonation state of the distal bridging oxygen ligand of B. Parallels and contrasts are drawn between the spectroscopically and computationally supported mechanism of the DBED system, presented here, and the experimentally derived mechanism of the coupled binuclear copper protein tyrosinase.

Validation of density functional modeling protocols on experimental bis(μ-oxo)/μ-η2:η2-peroxo dicopper equilibria

The bis(mu-oxo)/mu-eta(2):eta(2)-peroxo equilibria for seven supported Cu(2)O(2) cores were studied with different hybrid and nonhybrid density functional theory models, namely, BLYP, mPWPW, TPSS, TPSSh, B3LYP, mPW1PW, and MPW1K. Supporting ligands 3,3'-iminobis(N,N-dimethylpropylamine), N,N,N',N',N''-pentamethyldipropylenetriamine, N-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]-N,N,N'-trimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, bis[2-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]methylamine, bis[2-(4-methoxy-2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]methylamine, bis[2-(4-N,N-dimethylamino-2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]methylamine, and 1,4,7-triisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane were chosen on the basis of the availability of experimental data for comparison. Density functionals were examined with respect to their ability accurately to reproduce experimental properties, including, in particular, geometries and relative energies for the bis(mu-oxo) and side-on peroxo forms. While geometries from both hybrid and nonhybrid functionals were in good agreement with experiment, the incorporation of Hartree-Fock (HF) exchange in hybrid density functionals was found to have a large, degrading effect on predicted relative isomer energies. Specifically, hybrid functionals predicted the mu-eta(2):eta(2)-peroxo isomer to be too stable by roughly 5-10 kcal mol(-1) for each 10% of HF exchange incorporated into the model. Continuum solvation calculations predict electrostatic effects to favor bis(mu-oxo) isomers by 1-4 kcal mol(-1) depending on ligand size, with larger ligands having smaller differential solvation effects. Analysis of computed molecular partition functions suggests that nonzero measured entropies of isomerization are likely to be primarily associated with interactions between molecular solutes and their first solvation shell.

Reversible O-O bond cleavage in copper-dioxygen isomers: impact of anion basicity

Low-temperature oxygenation of copper(I) complexes of N,N,N',N'-tetraethylpropane-1,3-diamine yields solutions containing both mu-eta2:eta2-peroxodicopper(II) (P) and bis(mu-oxo)dicopper(III) (O) valence isomers. The P/O equilibrium position depends on the nature of the counteranion; P is favored with more basic anions. Titration and EXAFS experiments as well as DFT calculations suggest that axial donation from a sulfonate anion to the copper centers imparts an electronic/electrostatic bias toward the P isomer.

Copper(I) Complex O2-Reactivity with a N3S Thioether Ligand: a Copper−Dioxygen Adduct Including Sulfur Ligation, Ligand Oxygenation, and Comparisons with All Nitrogen Ligand Analogues

In order to contribute to an understanding of the effects of thioether sulfur ligation in copper-O(2) reactivity, the tetradentate ligands L(N3S) (2-ethylthio-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl)methylethanamine) and L(N3S')(2-ethylthio-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl)ethylethanamine) have been synthesized. Corresponding copper(I) complexes, [CuI(L(N3S))]ClO(4) (1-ClO(4)), [CuI(L(N3S))]B(C(6)F(5))(4) (1-B(C(6)F(5))(4)), and [CuI(L(N3S'))]ClO(4) (2), were generated, and their redox properties, CO binding, and O(2)-reactivity were compared to the situation with analogous compounds having all nitrogen donor ligands, [CuI(TMPA)(MeCN)](+) and [Cu(I)(PMAP)](+) (TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine; PMAP = bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-(2-pyridyl)methylamine). X-ray structures of 1-B(C(6)F(5))(4), a dimer, and copper(II) complex [Cu(II)(L(N3S))(MeOH)](ClO(4))(2) (3) were obtained; the latter possesses axial thioether coordination. At low temperature in CH(2)Cl(2), acetone, or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), 1 reacts with O(2) and generates an adduct formulated as an end-on peroxodicopper(II) complex [{Cu(II)(L(N3S))}(2)(mu-1,2-O(2)(2-))](2+) (4)){lambda(max) = 530 (epsilon approximately 9200 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 605 nm (epsilon approximately 11,800 M(-1) cm(-1))}; the number and relative intensity of LMCT UV-vis bands vary from those for [{Cu(II)(TMPA)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) {lambda(max) = 524 nm (epsilon = 11,300 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 615 nm (epsilon = 5800 M(-1) cm(-1))} and are ascribed to electronic structure variation due to coordination geometry changes with the L(N3S) ligand. Resonance Raman spectroscopy confirms the end-on peroxo-formulation {nu(O-O) = 817 cm(-1) (16-18O(2) Delta = 46 cm(-1)) and nu(Cu-O) = 545 cm(-1) (16-18O(2) Delta = 26 cm(-1)); these values are lower in energy than those for [{Cu(II)(TMPA)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) {nu(Cu-O) = 561 cm(-1) and nu(O-O) = 827 cm(-1)} and can be attributed to less electron density donation from the peroxide pi* orbitals to the Cu(II) ion. Complex 4 is the first copper-dioxygen adduct with thioether ligation; direct evidence comes from EXAFS spectroscopy {Cu K-edge; Cu-S = 2.4 Angstrom}. Following a [Cu(I)(L(N3S))](+)/O(2) reaction and warming, the L(N3S) thioether ligand is oxidized to the sulfoxide in a reaction modeling copper monooxygenase activity. By contrast, 2 is unreactive toward dioxygen probably due to its significantly increased Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potential, an effect of ligand chelate ring size (in comparison to 1). Discussion of the relevance of the chemistry to copper enzyme O(2)-activation, and situations of biological stress involving methionine oxidation, is provided.

Further Insights into the Spectroscopic Properties, Electronic Structure, and Kinetics of Formation of the Heme−Peroxo−Copper Complex [(F8TPP)FeIII−(O22-)−CuII(TMPA)]+

In the further development and understanding of heme-copper O2-reduction chemistry inspired by the active-site chemistry in cytochrome c oxidase, we describe a dioxygen adduct, [(F8TPP)FeIII-(O22-)-CuII(TMPA)](ClO4) (3), formed by addition of O2 to a 1:1 mixture of the porphyrinate-iron(II) complex (F8TPP)FeII (1a) {F8TPP = tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphyrinate dianion} and the copper(I) complex [(TMPA)CuI(MeCN)](ClO4) (1b) {TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine}. Complex 3 forms in preference to heme-only or copper-only binuclear products, is remarkably stable {t1/2 (RT; MeCN) approximately 20 min; lambda max = 412 (Soret), 558 nm; EPR silent}, and is formulated as a peroxo complex on the basis of manometry {1a/1b/O2 = 1:1:1}, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry {16O2, m/z 1239 [(3 + MeCN)+]; 18O2, m/z 1243}, and resonance Raman spectroscopy {nu(O-O) = 808 cm-1; Delta16O2/18O2 = 46 cm-1; Delta16O2/16/18O2 = 23 cm-1}. Consistent with a mu-eta2:eta1 bridging peroxide ligand, two metal-O stretching frequencies are observed {nu(Fe-O) = 533 cm-1, nu(Fe-O-Cu) = 511 cm-1}, and supporting normal coordinate analysis is presented. 2H and 19F NMR spectroscopies reveal that 3 is high-spin {also muB = 5.1 +/- 0.2, Evans method} with downfield-shifted pyrrole and upfield-shifted TMPA resonances, similar to the pattern observed for the structurally characterized mu-oxo complex [(F8TPP)FeIII-O-CuII(TMPA)]+ (4) (known S = 2 system, antiferromagnetically coupled high-spin FeIII and CuII). Mössbauer spectroscopy exhibits a sharp quadrupole doublet (zero field; delta = 0.57 mm/s, |DeltaEQ| = 1.14 mm/s) for 3, with isomer shift and magnetic field dependence data indicative of a peroxide ligand and S = 2 formulation. Both UV-visible-monitored stopped-flow kinetics and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies reveal the formation of heme-only superoxide complex (S)(F8TPP)FeIII-(O2-) (2a) (S = solvent molecule) prior to 3. Thermal decomposition of mu-peroxo complex 3 yields mu-oxo complex 4 with concomitant release of approximately 0.5 mol O2 per mol 3. Characterization of the reaction 1a/1b + O2 --> 2 --> 3 --> 4, presented here, advances our understanding and provides new insights to heme/Cu dioxygen-binding and reduction.