To rebound or dissociate? This is the mechanistic question in C-H hydroxylation by heme and nonheme metal-oxo complexes

Unraveling the Geometry-Driven C═C Epoxidation and C-H Hydroxylation Reactivity of Tetra-Coordinated Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes

The electronic structure and reactivity of tetra-coordinated nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes have remained unexplored for years. The recent synthesis of a closed-shell iron(IV)-oxo complex [(quinisox)FeIV(O)]+ (1) has set up a platform to understand how such complexes compare with the celebrated open-shell iron-oxo chemistry. Herein, using density functional theory and ab initio calculations, we present an in-depth electronic structure investigation of the C═C epoxidation [oxygen atom transfer (OAT)] and C-H hydroxylation [hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)] reactivity of 1. Using a solvent-coordinated geometry of 1 (1') and other potential tetra-coordinated iron(IV)-oxo complexes bearing rigid ligands (2 and 3), we established the geometric origin of spin-state energetics and reactivity of 1. Complex 1 featuring a strong Fe-O bond exhibits OAT and HAT reactivity in its quintet state. The lowest quintet OAT pathway has a lower barrier by ∼4 kcal/mol than the quintet HAT pathway, corroborating the experimentally observed gas-phase OAT reactivity preference. A conventional HAT reactivity preference for 2 and a comparable OAT and HAT reactivity for 3 are observed. This further supports the geometry-driven reactivity preference for 1. Noncovalent interaction analyses reveal a pronounced π-π interaction between the substrate and ligand in the OAT transition state, rationalizing the origin of the observed reactivity preference for 1.

Probing Ferryl Reactivity in a Nonheme Iron Oxygenase Using an Expanded Genetic Code

The ability to introduce noncanonical amino acids as axial ligands in heme enzymes has provided a powerful experimental tool for studying the structure and reactivity of their FeIV=O ("ferryl") intermediates. Here, we show that a similar approach can be used to perturb the conserved Fe coordination environment of 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenases, a versatile class of enzymes that employ highly-reactive ferryl intermediates to mediate challenging C-H functionalizations. Replacement of one of the cis-disposed histidine ligands in the oxygenase VioC with a less electron donating N δ-methyl-histidine (MeHis) preserves both catalytic function and reaction selectivity. Significantly, the key ferryl intermediate responsible for C-H activation can be accumulated in both the wildtype and the modified protein. In contrast to heme enzymes, where metal-oxo reactivity is extremely sensitive to the nature of the proximal ligand, the rates of C-H activation and the observed large kinetic isotope effects are only minimally affected by axial ligand replacement in VioC. This study showcases a powerful tool for modulating the coordination sphere of nonheme iron enzymes that will enhance our understanding of the factors governing their divergent activities.

Unraveling the Mechanism of the Oxidative C-C Bond Coupling Reaction Catalyzed by Deoxypodophyllotoxin Synthase

Deoxypodophyllotoxin synthase (DPS), a nonheme Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent oxygenase, is a key enzyme that is involved in the construction of the fused-ring system in (-)-podophyllotoxin biosynthesis by catalyzing the C-C coupling reaction. However, the mechanistic details of DPS-catalyzed ring formation remain unclear. Herein, our quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations reveal a novel mechanism that involves the recycling of CO2 (a product of decarboxylation of 2OG) to prevent the formation of hydroxylated byproducts. Our results show that CO2 can react with the FeIII-OH species to generate an unusual FeIII-bicarbonate species. In this way, hydroxylation is avoided by consuming the OH group. Then, the C-C coupling followed by desaturation yields the final product, deoxypodophyllotoxin. This work highlights the crucial role of the CO2 molecule, generated in the crevice between the iron active site and the substrate, in controlling the reaction selectivity.

Proximity Effects on the Reactivity of a Nonheme Iron (IV) Oxo Complex in C-H Oxidation

Precise control of substrate positioning and orientation (its proximity to the reactive unit) is often invoked to rationalize the superior enzymatic reaction rates and selectivities when compared to synthetic models. Artificial nonheme iron (IV) oxo (Fe(IV)=O) complexes react with C(sp3)-H bonds via a biomimetic Hydrogen Atom Transfer/Hydroxyl Rebound mechanism, but rates, site-selectivity and even hydroxyl rebound efficiency (ligand rebound versus substrate radical diffusion) are smaller than in oxygenases. Herein, we quantitatively analyze how substrate binding modulates nonheme Fe(IV)=O reactivity by comparing rates and outcomes of C-H oxidation by a pair of Fe(IV)=O complexes that share the same first coordination sphere but only one contains a crown ether receptor that recognizes the substrate. Substrate binding makes the reaction intramolecular, exhibiting Michaelis-Menten kinetics and increased reaction rates. In addition, C-H oxidation occurs with high site selectivity for remote sites. Analysis of Effective Molarity reveals that the system operates at its maximal theoretical capability for the oxidation of these remote sites. Remarkably, substrate positioning also affects Hydroxyl Rebound, whose efficiency only increases on the sites placed in proximity by recognition. Overall, these observations provide evidence that supramolecular control of substrate positioning can effectively modulate the reactivity of oxygenases and its models.

C-H Bond Oxidation by MnIV-Oxo Complexes: Hydrogen-Atom Tunneling and Multistate Reactivity

The reactivity of six MnIV-oxo complexes in C-H bond oxidation has been examined using a combination of kinetic experiments and computational methods. Variable-temperature studies of the oxidation of 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA) and ethylbenzene by these MnIV-oxo complexes yielded activation parameters suitable for evaluating electronic structure computations. Complementary kinetic experiments of the oxidation of deuterated DHA provided evidence for hydrogen-atom tunneling in C-H bond oxidation for all MnIV-oxo complexes. These results are in accordance with the Bell model, where tunneling occurs near the top of the transition-state barrier. Density functional theory (DFT) and DLPNO-CCSD(T1) computations were performed for three of the six MnIV-oxo complexes to probe a previously predicted multistate reactivity model. The DFT computations predicted a thermal crossing from the 4B1 ground state to a 4E state along the C-H bond oxidation reaction coordinate. DLPNO-CCSD(T1) calculations further confirm that the 4E transition state offers a lower energy barrier, reinforcing the multistate reactivity model for these complexes. We discuss how this multistate model can be reconciled with recent computations that revealed that the kinetics of C-H bond oxidation by this set of MnIV-oxo complexes can be well-predicted on the basis of the thermodynamic driving force for these reactions.

Iron-Catalyzed C-H Oxygenation Using Perchlorate Enabled by Secondary Sphere Hydrogen Bonds

Perchlorate (ClO4-) is a groundwater pollutant that is challenging to remediate. We report a strategy to use Fe(II) tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) complexes featuring appended aniline hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) to promote ClO4- reduction. These complexes facilitate oxygen atom transfer from ClO4- to PPh3 and C-H oxygenation reactions of organic substrates. Catalytic reactions using 15 mol % afforded excellent yields for oxygenation of anthracene and cyclic alkyl aromatics, and this methodology tolerates aryl halides as well as heterocycles containing either O, S, or N.

Unusual catalytic strategy by non-heme Fe(ii)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent aspartyl hydroxylase AspH

Biocatalytic C-H oxidation reactions are of important synthetic utility, provide a sustainable route for selective synthesis of important organic molecules, and are an integral part of fundamental cell processes. The multidomain non-heme Fe(ii)/2-oxoglutarate (2OG) dependent oxygenase AspH catalyzes stereoselective (3R)-hydroxylation of aspartyl- and asparaginyl-residues. Unusually, compared to other 2OG hydroxylases, crystallography has shown that AspH lacks the carboxylate residue of the characteristic two-His-one-Asp/Glu Fe-binding triad. Instead, AspH has a water molecule that coordinates Fe(ii) in the coordination position usually occupied by the Asp/Glu carboxylate. Molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) studies reveal that the iron coordinating water is stabilized by hydrogen bonding with a second coordination sphere (SCS) carboxylate residue Asp721, an arrangement that helps maintain the six coordinated Fe(ii) distorted octahedral coordination geometry and enable catalysis. AspH catalysis follows a dioxygen activation-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-rebound hydroxylation mechanism, unusually exhibiting higher activation energy for rebound hydroxylation than for HAT, indicating that the rebound step may be rate-limiting. The HAT step, along with substrate positioning modulated by the non-covalent interactions with SCS residues (Arg688, Arg686, Lys666, Asp721, and Gln664), are essential in determining stereoselectivity, which likely proceeds with retention of configuration. The tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of AspH influences substrate binding and manifests dynamic motions during catalysis, an observation of interest with respect to other 2OG oxygenases with TPR domains. The results provide unique insights into how non-heme Fe(ii) oxygenases can effectively catalyze stereoselective hydroxylation using only two enzyme-derived Fe-ligating residues, potentially guiding enzyme engineering for stereoselective biocatalysis, thus advancing the development of non-heme Fe(ii) based biomimetic C-H oxidation catalysts, and supporting the proposal that the 2OG oxygenase superfamily may be larger than once perceived.

Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity of a Mononuclear N,N,O-Bound Fe(II) α-Keto-Acid Complex

A bulky, tridentate phenolate ligand (ImPh2 NNOtBu ) was used to synthesise the first example of a mononuclear, facial, N,N,O-bound iron(II) benzoylformate complex, [Fe(ImPh2 NNOtBu )(BF)] (2). The X-ray crystal structure of 2 reveals that the iron centre is pentacoordinate (τ=0.5), with a vacant site located cis to the bidentate BF ligand. The Mössbauer parameters of 2 are consistent with high-spin iron(II), and are very close to those reported for α-ketoglutarate-bound non-heme iron enzyme active sites. According to NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies, the structural integrity of 2 is retained in both coordinating and non-coordinating solvents. Cyclic voltammetry studies show that the iron centre has a very low oxidation potential and is more prone to electrochemical oxidation than the redox-active phenolate ligand. Complex 2 reacts with NO to form a S=3 /2 {FeNO}7 adduct in which NO binds directly to the iron centre, according to EPR, UV-vis, IR spectroscopies and DFT analysis. Upon O2 exposure, 2 undergoes oxidative decarboxylation to form a diiron(III) benzoate complex, [Fe2 (ImPh2 NNOtBu )2 (μ2 -OBz)(μ2 -OH)2 ]+ (3). A small amount of hydroxylated ligand was also observed by ESI-MS, hinting at the formation of a high-valent iron(IV)-oxo intermediate. Initial reactivity studies show that 2 is capable of oxygen atom transfer reactivity with O2 , converting methyl(p-tolyl)sulfide to sulfoxide.

Dynamical Origin of Rebound versus Dissociation Selectivity during Fe-Oxo-Mediated C-H Functionalization Reactions

The mechanism of catalytic C-H functionalization of alkanes by Fe-oxo complexes is often suggested to involve a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) step with the formation of a radical-pair intermediate followed by diverging pathways for radical rebound, dissociation, or desaturation. Recently, we showed that in some Fe-oxo reactions, the radical pair is a nonstatistical-type intermediate and dynamic effects control rebound versus dissociation pathway selectivity. However, the effect of the solvent cage on the stability and lifetime of the radical-pair intermediate has never been analyzed. Moreover, because of the extreme complexity of motion that occurs during dynamics trajectories, the underlying physical origin of pathway selectivity has not yet been determined. For the reaction between [(TQA_Cl)FeIVO]+ and cyclohexane, here, we report explicit solvent trajectories and machine learning analysis on transition-state sampled features (e.g., vibrational, velocity, and geometric) that identified the transferring hydrogen atom kinetic energy as the most important factor controlling rebound versus nonrebound dynamics trajectories, which provides an explanation for our previously proposed dynamic matching effect in fast rebound trajectories that bypass the radical-pair intermediate. Manual control of the reaction trajectories confirmed the importance of this feature and provides a mechanism to enhance or diminish selectivity for the rebound pathway. This led to a general catalyst design principle and proof-of-principle catalyst design that showcases how to control rebound versus dissociation reaction pathway selectivity.

Rebound or Cage Escape? The Role of the Rebound Barrier for the Reactivity of Non-Heme High-Valent FeIV =O Species

Owing to their high reactivity and selectivity, variations in the spin ground state and a range of possible pathways, high-valent FeIV =O species are popular models with potential bioinspired applications. An interesting example of a structure-reactivity pattern is the detailed study with five nonheme amine-pyridine pentadentate ligand FeIV =O species, including N4py: [(L1 )FeIV =O]2+ (1), bntpen: [(L2 )FeIV =O]2+ (2), py2 tacn: [(L3 )FeIV =O]2+ (3), and two isomeric bispidine derivatives: [(L4 )FeIV =O]2+ (4) and [(L5 )FeIV =O]2+ (5). In this set, the order of increasing reactivity in the hydroxylation of cyclohexane differs from that with cyclohexadiene as substrate. A comprehensive DFT, ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 and DLPNO-CCSD(T) study is presented to untangle the observed patterns. These are well reproduced when both activation barriers for the C-H abstraction and the OH rebound are taken into account. An MO, NBO and deformation energy analysis reveals the importance of π(pyr) → π*xz (FeIII -OH) electron donation for weakening the FeIII -OH bond and thus reducing the rebound barrier. This requires that pyridine rings are oriented perpendicularly to the FeIII -OH bond and this is a subtle but crucial point in ligand design for non-heme iron alkane hydroxylation.

Recent advances in computational studies on Cu-catalyzed aerobic reactions: cooperation of copper catalysts and dioxygen

O2, one of the ideal oxidants, suffers from low solubility, low oxidizability, low selectivity and a triplet ground state when applied in organic synthesis. Biomimetic copper catalysis has been demonstrated to be a powerful method for activating and transforming O2 to conduct aerobic reactions for a long time. On the other hand, the structures of Cu-O2 complexes are complex with diverse downstream reactions, whereas active copper intermediates were rarely identified by experimental methods, making the mechanisms of many Cu-catalyzed aerobic reactions far from clear. In this context, computational studies emerged as an effective alternative to mechanistic studies on Cu-catalyzed aerobic reactions. This review introduces the relevant computational studies since 2012, focusing on showing the cooperation of copper catalysts and O2 in dehydrogenation, oxygenation and coupling reactions.

Emerging Metabolic Profiles of Sulfonamide Antibiotics by Cytochromes P450: A Computational-Experimental Synergy Study on Emerging Pollutants

Metabolism, especially by CYP450 enzymes, is the main reason for mediating the toxification and detoxification of xenobiotics in humans, while some uncommon metabolic pathways, especially for emerging pollutants, probably causing idiosyncratic toxicity are easily overlooked. The pollution of sulfonamide antibiotics in aqueous system has attracted increasing public attention. Hydroxylation of the central amine group can trigger a series of metabolic processes of sulfonamide antibiotics in humans; however, this work parallelly reported the coupling and fragmenting initiated by amino H-abstraction of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) catalyzed by human CYP450 enzymes. Elucidation of the emerging metabolic profiles was mapped via a multistep synergy between computations and experiments, involving preliminary DFT computations and in vitro and in vivo assays, profiling adverse effects, and rationalizing the fundamental factors via targeted computations. Especially, the confirmed SMX dimer was shown to potentially act as a metabolism disruptor in humans, while spin aromatic delocalization resulting in the low electron donor ability of amino radicals was revealed as the fundamental factor to enable coupling of sulfonamide antibiotics by CYP450 through the nonconventional nonrebound pathway. This work may further strengthen the synergistic use of computations prior to experiments to avoid wasteful experimental screening efforts in environmental chemistry and toxicology.

Direct Dynamics Trajectories Demonstrate Dynamic Matching and Nonstatistical Radical Pair Intermediates during Fe-Oxo-Mediated C-H Functionalization Reactions

The generally proposed mechanism for the reaction between non-heme Fe-oxo complexes and alkane C-H bonds involves a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction step with a radical pair intermediate that then has competitive radical rebound, dissociation, or desaturation pathways. Here, we report density functional theory-based quasiclassical direct dynamics trajectories that examine post-HAT reaction dynamics. Trajectories revealed that the radical pair intermediate can be a nonstatistical type intermediate without complete internal vibrational redistribution and post-HAT selectivity is generally determined by dynamic effects. Fast rebound trajectories occur through dynamic matching between the rotational motion of the newly formed Fe-OH bond and collision with the alkane radical, and all of this occurs through a nonsynchronous dynamically concerted process that circumvents the radical pair intermediate structure. For radical pair dissociation, trajectories proceeded to the radical pair intermediate for a very brief time, followed by complete dissociation. These trajectories provide a new viewpoint and model to understand the inherent reaction pathway selectivity for non-heme Fe-oxo-mediated C-H functionalization reactions.

An investigation of steric influence on the reactivity of FeV(O)(OH) tautomers in stereospecific C-H hydroxylation

Two new tetradentate N4 ligands (LN4), LN4 = Me2,Me2PyzTACN (1-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl)-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and Me2,MeImTACN (1-((1-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) have been synthesized and their corresponding Fe(II) complexes [Fe^II(Me2,Me2PyzTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂], 1Pz, and [Fe^II(Me2,MeImTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂], 1Im, have been prepared and characterized. Complexes 1Pz and 1Im catalyse the hydroxylation of C-H bonds of alkanes with excellent efficiencies, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The high H/D kinetic isotope effect values for C-H hydroxylation, large normalized tertiary/secondary C-H (C3/C2) bond selectivities in adamantane oxidation, and high degrees of stereoretention in the oxidation of cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane are indicative of metal-based oxidation processes. The complexes also catalyse the oxidation of cyclooctene to form its corresponding epoxide and syn-diol. For 1Pz the epoxide is the main product, while for the analogous complex 1Im the syn-diol predominates. The active oxidant is proposed to be an [(LN4)Fe^V(O)(OH)]²⁺ species (2Pz, LN4 = Me2,Me2PyzTACN and 2Im, LN4 = Me2,MeImTACN) which may exist in two tautomeric forms related by a proton shift between the oxo and hydroxo ligands. Isotope labelling experiments show that the oxygen atom in the hydroxylated products originates from both water and hydrogen peroxide, and labelling experiments involving oxygen atom transfer to sterically bulky substrates provide indirect information on the steric influence exerted by the two ligands in the relative reactivities of the two hypervalent iron tautomers. Based on these labelling studies, the steric influence exerted by each of the ligands towards the relative reactivity of the oxo ligands of the corresponding pair of Fe(V)(O)(OH) tautomers can be derived. Furthermore, this steric influence can be gauged relative to related complexes/ligands.

Photo-chemical aspects of iron complexes exhibiting photo-activated chemotherapy (PACT)

Iron is the trace element of natural selection by the biological systems due to its versatile coordination chemistry, and is recently explored for medicinal and diagnostic applications. Photo-activated states of iron complexes exhibiting substitution, dissociation, isomerization reactions, intramolecular redox reactions or energy transfer to other molecules have attracted the attention across the globe for the potent applications in photo-chemotherapy. There is a significant advancement on the development of iron-based complexes for photochemotherapeutic applications. Here in we reviewed the photo-activated states and photochemistry of iron complexes, and recent advances made in the area of photochemotherapy of iron complexes relevant to the photochemistry of iron complexes.

Heme compound II models in chemoselectivity and disproportionation reactions

Heme compound II models bearing electron-deficient and -rich porphyrins, [FeIV(O)(TPFPP)(Cl)]- (1a) and [FeIV(O)(TMP)(Cl)]- (2a), respectively, are synthesized, spectroscopically characterized, and investigated in chemoselectivity and disproportionation reactions using cyclohexene as a mechanistic probe. Interestingly, cyclohexene oxidation by 1a occurs at the allylic C-H bonds with a high kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 41, yielding 2-cyclohexen-1-ol product; this chemoselectivity is the same as that of nonheme iron(iv)-oxo intermediates. In contrast, as observed in heme compound I models, 2a yields cyclohexene oxide product with a KIE of 1, demonstrating a preference for C[double bond, length as m-dash]C epoxidation. The latter result is interpreted as 2a disproportionating to form [FeIV(O)(TMP+˙)]+ (2b) and FeIII(OH)(TMP), and 2b becoming the active oxidant to conduct the cyclohexene epoxidation. In contrast to 2a, 1a does not disproportionate under the present reaction conditions. DFT calculations confirm that compound II models prefer C-H bond hydroxylation and that disproportionation of compound II models is controlled thermodynamically by the porphyrin ligands. Other aspects, such as acid and base effects on the disproportionation of compound II models, have been discussed as well.

Differences in chemoselectivity in olefin oxidation by a series of non-porphyrin manganese(IV)-oxo complexes

High valent metal-oxo intermediates are versatile oxidants known to facilitate both oxygen atom transfer (OAT) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions in nature. In addition to performing essential yet challenging biological reactions, these intermediates are known for their selectivity in favoring the formation of one oxidation product. To understand the basis for this selectivity, we explore the role of equatorial ligand field perturbations in Mn^IV-oxo complexes on chemoselectivity in cyclohexene oxidation. We also examine reactions of Mn^IV-oxo complexes with cyclohexene-d₁₀, cyclooctene, and styrene. Within this series, the product distribution in olefin oxidation is highly dependent on the coordination environment of the Mn^IV-oxo unit. While Mn^IV-oxo complexes with sterically encumbered, and slightly tilted, MnO units favor CC epoxidation products in cyclohexene oxidation, a less encumbered analogue prefers to cleave allylic C-H bonds, resulting in cyclohexenol and cyclohexenone formation. These conclusions are drawn from GC-MS product analysis of the reaction mixture, changes in the UV-vis absorption spectra, and kinetic analyses. DFT computations establish a trend in thermodynamic properties of the Mn^IV-oxo complexes and their reactivity towards olefin oxidation on the basis of the MnO bond dissociation free energy (BDFE). The most reactive Mn^IV-oxo adduct from this series oxidizes cyclohexene-d₁₀, cyclooctene, and styrene to give corresponding epoxides as the only detected products. Collectively, these results suggest that the chemoselectivity obtained in oxidation of olefins is controlled by both the coordination environment around the MnO unit, which modulates the MnO BDFE, and the BDFEs of the allylic C-H bond of the olefins.

Determining the inherent selectivity for carbon radical hydroxylation versus halogenation with high-spin oxoiron(iv)-halide complexes: a concerted rebound step

A synthetic iron model can process both halogenation and hydroxylation with vague selectivity, which is different from halogenase even though these structures are used for the simulation of halogenase. The key factor of the synthetic oxo-iron model mediated hydroxylation or the halogenation is still under debate. Herein density functional theory calculation is used to investigate the hydroxylation versus halogenation of propylene by the complex [Fe^IV(O)(TQA)(X)]⁺ (X = F, Cl, Br). Our results suggest that a concerted rebound mechanism (between the -X and the hydroxyl ligands after the hydrogen abstraction) leads to the formation of two different kinds of products.

DFT calculation for the hydroxylation versus halogenation of propylene by [Fe^IV(O)(TQA)X]⁺ (X = F, Cl and Br) reveals that after hydrogen abstraction, halogen and oxygen rebound reactions are a synergistic process.

Structure and Reactivity of Nonporphyrinic Terminal Manganese(IV)-Hydroxide Complexes in the Oxidative Electrophilic Reaction

High-valent transition metal-hydroxide complexes have been proposed as essential intermediates in biological and synthetic catalytic reactions. In this work, we report the single-crystal X-ray structure and spectroscopic characteristics of a mononuclear nonporphyrinic Mn^IV-(OH) complex, [Mn^IV(Me₃-TPADP)(OH)(OCH₂CH₃)]²⁺ (2), using various physicochemical methods. Likewise, [Mn^IV(Me₃-TPADP)(OH)(OCH₂CF₃)]²⁺ (3), which is thermally stable at room temperature, was also synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The Mn^IV-(OH) adducts are capable of performing oxidation reactions with external organic substrates such as C-H bond activation, sulfoxidation, and epoxidation. Kinetic studies, involving the Hammett correlation and kinetic isotope effect, and product analyses indicate that 2 and 3 exhibit electrophilic oxidative reactivity toward hydrocarbons. Density functional theory calculations support the assigned electronic structure and show that direct C-H bond activation of the Mn^IV-(OH) species is indeed possible.

Reactivity vs. Selectivity of Biomimetic Catalyst Systems of the Fe(PDP) Family through the Nature and Spin State of the Active Iron-Oxygen Species

Catalytic approaches to late-stage creation of new C-O bonds, especially via oxygenation of particular C-H groups in complex organic molecules, provide challenging tools for the synthesis of biologically active compounds and candidate drugs. In the last decade, significant efforts were invested in designing bioinspired iron based catalyst systems, capable of conducting selective oxidations of organic compounds. The key role of the oxygen-transferring high-valent iron-oxygen species in selective oxygenation is now well established; the next logical step would be gaining insight into the factors governing the oxidation chemo- and stereoselectivity, in relation to the peculiarities of their electronic structure, which would allow introducing the desired level of predictability into those catalytic transformations. In this Personal Account we analyze recent data on the reactivity of bioinspired formally oxoiron(V) catalytically active sites toward organic substrates having C=C and C(sp³ )-H groups. While the majority of reported oxoiron(V) active species are low-spin (S=1/2) complexes, the presence of strong electron-donating groups (NR₁ R₂ ) in the ligand backbone favors the high-spin (S=3/2) ground state. Remarkably, the high-spin perferryl species exhibit higher chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity in the oxidations than their low-spin counterparts, thus witnessing the significance of these subtle electronic effects for the selectivity of oxidations conducted by bioinspired catalysts of the Fe(PDP) family.

Second-Sphere Lattice Effects in Copper and Iron Zeolite Catalysis

Transition-metal-exchanged zeolites perform remarkable chemical reactions from low-temperature methane to methanol oxidation to selective reduction of NOx pollutants. As with metalloenzymes, metallozeolites have impressive reactivities that are controlled in part by interactions outside the immediate coordination sphere. These second-sphere effects include activating a metal site through enforcing an "entatic" state, controlling binding and access to the metal site with pockets and channels, and directing radical rebound vs cage escape. This review explores these effects with emphasis placed on but not limited to the selective oxidation of methane to methanol with a focus on copper and iron active sites, although other transition-metal-ion zeolite reactions are also explored. While the actual active-site geometric and electronic structures are different in the copper and iron metallozeolites compared to the metalloenzymes, their second-sphere interactions with the lattice or the protein environments are found to have strong parallels that contribute to their high activity and selectivity.

Directed evolution of cytochrome P450DA hydroxylase activity for stereoselective biohydroxylation

A colorimetric high throughput screening method was developed based on a dual-enzyme cascade and used for the directed evolution of cytochrome P450 hydroxylase activity.

Enthalpy-Entropy Compensation Effect in Oxidation Reactions by Manganese(IV)-Oxo Porphyrins and Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Models

"Enthalpy-Entropy Compensation Effect" (EECE) is ubiquitous in chemical reactions; however, such an EECE has been rarely explored in biomimetic oxidation reactions. In this study, six manganese(IV)-oxo complexes bearing electron-rich and -deficient porphyrins are synthesized and investigated in various oxidation reactions, such as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), oxygen atom transfer (OAT), and electron-transfer (ET) reactions. First, all of the six Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins are highly reactive in the HAT, OAT, and ET reactions. Interestingly, we have observed a reversed reactivity in the HAT and OAT reactions by the electron-rich and -deficient Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins, depending on reaction temperatures, but not in the ET reactions; the electron-rich Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins are more reactive than the electron-deficient Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins at high temperature (e.g., 0 °C), whereas at low temperature (e.g., -60 °C), the electron-deficient Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins are more reactive than the electron-rich Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins. Such a reversed reactivity between the electron-rich and -deficient Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins depending on reaction temperatures is rationalized with EECE; that is, the lower is the activation enthalpy, the more negative is the activation entropy, and vice versa. Interestingly, a unified linear correlation between the activation enthalpies and the activation entropies is observed in the HAT and OAT reactions of the Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins. Moreover, from the previously reported HAT reactions of nonheme Fe(IV)-oxo complexes, a linear correlation between the activation enthalpies and the activation entropies is also observed. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first detailed mechanistic study of EECE in the oxidation reactions by synthetic high-valent metal-oxo complexes.

Nonheme Iron Imido Complexes Bearing a Non-Innocent Ligand: A Synthetic Chameleon Species in Oxidation Reactions

High-valent iron-imido complexes can perform C-H activation and sulfimidation reactions, but are far less studied than the more ubiquitous iron-oxo species. As case studies, we have looked at a recently published iron(V)-imido ligand π-cation radical complex, which is formally an iron(VI)-imido complex [Fe^V (NTs)(TAML^+. )] (1; NTs=tosylimido), and an iron(V)-imido complex [Fe^V (NTs)(TAML)]^- (2). Using a theoretical approach, we found that they have multiple energetically close-lying electromers, sometimes even without changing spin states, reminiscent of the so-called Compound I in Cytochrome P450. When studying their reactivity theoretically, it is indeed found that their electronic structures may change to perform efficient oxidations, emulating the multi-spin state reactivity in Fe^IV O systems. This is actually in contrast to the known [Fe^V (O)(TAML)]^- species (3), where the reactions occur only on the ground spin state. We also looked into the whole reaction pathway for the C-H bond activation of 1,4-cyclohexadiene by these intermediates to reproduce the experimentally observed products, including steps that usually attract no interest (neither theoretically nor experimentally) due to their non-rate-limiting status and fast reactivity. A new "clustering non-rebound mechanism" is presented for this C-H activation reaction.

Unmasking Steps in Intramolecular Aromatic Hydroxylation by a Synthetic Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complex

In this study, a methyl group on the classic tetramethylcyclam (TMC) ligand framework is replaced with a benzylic group to form the metastable [FeIV (Osyn )(Bn3MC)]2+ (2-syn; Bn3MC=1-benzyl-4,8,11-trimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) species at -40 °C. The decay of 2-syn with time at 25 °C allows the unprecedented monitoring of the steps involved in the intramolecular hydroxylation of the ligand phenyl ring to form the major FeIII -OAr product 3. At the same time, the FeII (Bn3MC)2+ (1) precursor to 2-syn is re-generated in a 1:2 molar ratio relative to 3, accounting for the first time for all the electrons involved and all the Fe species derived from 2-syn as shown in the following balanced equation: 3 [FeIV (O)(LPh )]2+ (2-syn)→2 [FeIII (LOAr )]2+ (3)+[FeII (LPh )]2+ (1)+H2 O. This system thus serves as a paradigm for aryl hydroxylation by FeIV =O oxidants described thus far. It is also observed that 2-syn can be intercepted by certain hydrocarbon substrates, thereby providing a means to assess the relative energetics of aliphatic and aromatic C-H hydroxylation in this system.

C-H Activation by RuCo3O4 Oxo Cubanes: Effects of Oxyl Radical Character and Metal-Metal Cooperativity

High-valent multimetallic-oxo/oxyl species have been implicated as intermediates in oxidative catalysis involving proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, but the reactive nature of these oxo species has hindered the development of an in-depth understanding of their mechanisms and multimetallic character. The mechanism of C-H oxidation by previously reported RuCo₃O₄ cubane complexes bearing a terminal Ru^V-oxo ligand, with significant oxyl radical character, was investigated. The rate-determining step involves H atom abstraction (HAA) from an organic substrate to generate a Ru-OH species and a carbon-centered radical. Radical intermediates are subsequently trapped by another equivalent of the terminal oxo to afford isolable radical-trapped cubane complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) reveals a barrierless radical combination step that is more favorable than an oxygen-rebound mechanism by 12.3 kcal mol^-1. This HAA reactivity to generate organic products is influenced by steric congestion and the C-H bond dissociation energy of the substrate. Tuning the electronic properties of the cubane (i.e., spin density localized on terminal oxo, basicity, and redox potential) by varying the donor ability of ligands at the Co sites modulates C-H activations by the Ru^V-oxo fragment and enables construction of structure-activity relationships. These results reveal a mechanistic pathway for C-H activation by high-valent metal-oxo species with oxyl radical character and provide insights into cooperative effects of multimetallic centers in tuning PCET reactivity.

Pathways of the Extremely Reactive Iron(IV)-oxido complexes with Tetradentate Bispidine Ligands

The nonheme iron(IV)-oxido complex trans-N3-[(L1 )FeIV =O(Cl)]+ , where L1 is a derivative of the tetradentate bispidine 2,4-di(pyridine-2-yl)-3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-1-one, is known to have an S=1 electronic ground state and to be an extremely reactive oxidant for oxygen atom transfer (OAT) and hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) processes. Here we show that, in spite of this ferryl oxidant having the "wrong" spin ground state, it is the most reactive nonheme iron model system known so far and of a similar order of reactivity as nonheme iron enzymes (C-H abstraction of cyclohexane, -90 °C (propionitrile), t1/2 =3.5 sec). Discussed are spectroscopic and kinetic data, supported by a DFT-based theoretical analysis, which indicate that substrate oxidation is significantly faster than self-decay processes due to an intramolecular demethylation pathway and formation of an oxido-bridged diiron(III) intermediate. It is also shown that the iron(III)-chlorido-hydroxido/cyclohexyl radical intermediate, resulting from C-H abstraction, selectively produces chlorocyclohexane in a rebound process. However, the life-time of the intermediate is so long that other reaction channels (known as cage escape) become important, and much of the C-H abstraction therefore is unproductive. In bulk reactions at ambient temperature and at longer time scales, there is formation of significant amounts of oxidation product - selectively of chlorocyclohexane - and it is shown that this originates from oxidation of the oxido-bridged diiron(III) resting state.

Beyond Radical Rebound: Methane Oxidation to Methanol Catalyzed by Iron Species in Metal-Organic Framework Nodes

Recent work has exploited the ability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to isolate Fe sites that mimic the structures of sites in enzymes that catalyze selective oxidations at low temperatures, opening new pathways for the valorization of underutilized feedstocks such as methane. Questions remain as to whether the radical-rebound mechanism commonly invoked in enzymatic and homogeneous systems also applies in these rigid-framework materials, in which resisting the overoxidation of desired products is a major challenge. We demonstrate that MOFs bearing Fe(II) sites within Fe₃-μ₃-oxo nodes active for conversion of CH₄ + N₂O mixtures (368-408 K) require steps beyond the radical-rebound mechanism to protect the desired CH₃OH product. Infrared spectra and density functional theory show that CH₃OH_(g) is stabilized as Fe(III)-OCH₃ groups on the MOF via hydrogen atom transfer with Fe(III)-OH groups, eliminating water. Consequently, upon addition of a protonic zeolite in inter- and intrapellet mixtures with the MOF, we observed increases in CH₃OH selectivity with increasing ratio and proximity of zeolitic H⁺ to MOF-based Fe(II) sites, as methanol is protected within the zeolite. We infer from the data that CH₃OH_(g) is formed via the radical-rebound mechanism on Fe(II) sites but that subsequent transport and dehydration steps are required to protect CH₃OH_(g) from overoxidation. The results demonstrate that the radical-rebound mechanism commonly invoked in this chemistry is insufficient to explain the reactivity of these systems, that the selectivity-controlling steps involve both chemical and physical rate phenomena, as well as offering a strategy to mitigate overoxidation in these and similar systems.

Comparison of Nonheme Manganese- and Iron-Containing Flavone Synthase Mimics

Heme and nonheme-type flavone synthase enzymes, FS I and FS II are responsible for the synthesis of flavones, which play an important role in various biological processes, and have a wide range of biomedicinal properties including antitumor, antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. To get more insight into the mechanism of this curious enzyme reaction, nonheme structural and functional models were carried out by the use of mononuclear iron, [Fe^II(CDA-BPA*)]²⁺ (6) [CDA-BPA = N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-cyclohexanediamine], [Fe^II(CDA-BQA*)]²⁺ (5) [CDA-BQA = N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis-(2-quinolilmethyl)-cyclohexanediamine], [Fe^II(Bn-TPEN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (3) [Bn-TPEN = N-benzyl-N,N’,N’-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminoethane], [Fe^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (9), and manganese, [Mn^II(N4Py*)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (2) [N4Py* = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethylamine)], [Mn^II(Bn-TPEN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (4) complexes as catalysts, where the possible reactive intermediates, high-valent Fe^IV(O) and Mn^IV(O) are known and well characterised. The results of the catalytic and stoichiometric reactions showed that the ligand framework and the nature of the metal cofactor significantly influenced the reactivity of the catalyst and its intermediate. Comparing the reactions of [Fe^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (9) and [Mn^IV(O)(Bn-TPEN)]²⁺ (10) towards flavanone under the same conditions, a 3.5-fold difference in reaction rate was observed in favor of iron, and this value is three orders of magnitude higher than was observed for the previously published [Fe^IV(O)(N2Py2Q*)]²⁺ [N,N-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-di(2-pyridyl)ethylamine] species.

Low-Spin and High-Spin Perferryl Intermediates in Non-Heme Iron Catalyzed Oxidations of Aliphatic C-H Groups

The selectivity patterns of iron catalysts of the Fe(PDP) family in aliphatic C-H oxidation with H₂ O₂ have been studied (PDP=N,N'-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyrrolidine). Cyclohexane, adamantane, 1-bromo-3,7-dimethyloctane, 3,7-dimethyloctyl acetate, (-)-acetoxy-p-menthane, and cis-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane were used as substrates. The studied catalyst systems generate low-spin (S=1/2) oxoiron(V) intermediates or high-spin (S=3/2) oxoiron(V) intermediates, depending on the electron-donating ability of remote substituents at the pyridine rings. The low-spin perferryl intermediates demonstrate lower stability and higher reactivity toward aliphatic C-H groups of cyclohexane than their high-spin congeners, according to the measured self-decay and second-order rate constants k₁ and k₂ . Unexpectedly, there appears to be no uniform correlation between the spin state of the oxoiron(V) intermediates, and the chemo- and regioselectivity of the corresponding catalyst systems in the oxidation of the considered substrates. This contrasts with the asymmetric epoxidations by the same catalyst systems, in which case the epoxidation enantioselectivity increases when passing from the systems featuring the more reactive low-spin perferryl intermediates to those with their less reactive high-spin congeners.

Increased adverse effects during metabolic transformation of short-chain chlorinated paraffins by cytochrome P450: A theoretical insight into 1-chlorodecane

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), frequently detected in human tissues or organs, can result in threat to human health by disturbing normal metabolism. However, their metabolism mechanisms and fates are largely unclear. Therefore, to better understand the impacts of SCCPs and their metabolites on the human health, the metabolic mechanism and kinetics of SCCPs by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) were explored using density functional theory employed 1-chlorodecane as a model SCCPs. The results show that 1-chlorodecane could be readily metabolized by CYPs, and the rate constant reaches up 42.3 s^-1 in human body. Dechlorination of 1-chlorodecane is unlikely to occur and hydroxylation is dominated via H-abstraction pathways, especially from the intermediate C atom of 1-chlorodecane. The toxicity assessments suggest that the two metabolites, 10-chloro-decan-5-ol and 1-chlorodecanol could exhibit higher bioaccumulation, carcinogenicity and more serious damage on cardiovascular system after the metabolism of 1-chlorodecane. To our knowledge, this is the first study from the viewpoint of theoretical analysis to explore the metabolism of typical SCCPs in human body. It may provide deep insight into the metabolic transformation mechanism of SCCPs and cause the concerns about the adverse effects of their metabolites in human body.

A DFT study on the C-H oxidation reactivity of Fe(iv)-oxo species with N4/N5 ligands derived from l-proline

The hydroxylation of hexane by two FeIVO complexes bearing a pentadentate ligand (N5, Pro3Py) and a tetradentate ligand (N4, Pro2PyBn) derived from l-proline was studied by DFT calculations. Theoretical results predict that both FeIVO complexes hold triplet ground states. The hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) processes by both FeIVO species proceed through a two-state reactivity, thus indicating that HAA occurs via a low-barrier quintet surface. Beyond the conventional rebound step, the dissociation path is also calculated and is found to potentially occur after HAA.