Spatio-temporal resolution of primary processes of photosynthesis

Artificial Mn4 Ca Clusters with Exchangeable Solvent Molecules Mimicking the Oxygen-Evolving Center in Photosynthesis

The natural Mn₄ Ca cluster in photosystem II serves as a blueprint to develop artificial water-splitting catalysts for the generation of solar fuel in artificial photosynthesis. Although significant advances have recently been achieved, it remains a great challenge to prepare robust artificial Mn₄ Ca clusters that precisely mimic the structure and function of the biological catalyst. Herein, we report the isolation and structural characterization of two Mn₄ CaO₄ complexes with polar solvent molecules, acetonitrile or N,N-dimethylformamide, which closely mimics the two water molecules on the calcium ion, as well as the oxidation states of the four manganese ions and the main geometric structure of the natural Mn₄ Ca cluster. These new artificial Mn₄ Ca complexes provide important chemical clues to understand the structure and mechanism of the biological system.