Models for extradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenases: syntheses, structures, and reactivities of iron(II)-monoanionic catecholate complexes

Observation of oxygenated intermediates in functional mimics of aminophenol dioxygenase

Aminophenol dioxygenases (APDO) are mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes that utilize dioxygen (O2) to catalyze the conversion of o-aminophenols to 2-picolinic acid derivatives in metabolic pathways. This study describes the synthesis and O2 reactivity of two synthetic models of substrate-bound APDO: [FeII(TpMe2)(tBu2APH)] (1) and [FeII(TpMe2)(tBuAPH)] (2), where TpMe2 = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-yl)borate, tBu2APH = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminophenolate, and tBuAPH2 = 4-tert-butyl-2-aminophenolate. Both Fe(II) complexes behave as functional APDO mimics, as exposure to O2 results in oxidative CC bond cleavage of the o-aminophenolate ligand. The ring-cleaved products undergo spontaneous cyclization to give substituted 2-picolinic acids, as verified by 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Reaction of the APDO models with O2 at low temperature reveals multiple intermediates, which were probed with UV-vis absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Mössbauer (MB), and resonance Raman (rRaman) spectroscopies. The most stable intermediate at -70 °C in THF exhibits multiple isotopically-sensitive features in rRaman samples prepared with 16O2 and 18O2, confirming incorporation of O2-derived atom(s) into its molecular structure. Insights into the geometric structures, electronic properties, and spectroscopic features of the observed intermediates were obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Although functional APDO models have been previously reported, this is the first time that an oxygenated ligand-based radical has been detected and spectroscopically characterized in the ring-cleaving mechanism of a relevant synthetic system.

Oxygen Activation in Aromatic Ring Cleaving Salicylate Dioxygenase: Detection of Reaction Intermediates with a Nitro-substituted Substrate Analog

Cupin dioxygenases such as salicylate 1,2-dioxygense (SDO) perform aromatic C-C bond scission via a 3-His motif tethered iron cofactor. Here, transient kinetics measurements are used to monitor the catalytic cycle of SDO by using a nitro-substituted substrate analog, 3-nitrogentisate. Compared to the natural substrate, the nitro group reduces the enzymatic kcat by 500-fold, thereby facilitating the detection and kinetic characterization of reaction intermediates. Sums and products of reciprocal relaxation times derived from kinetic measurements were found to be linearly dependent on O2 concentration, suggesting reversible formation of two distinct intermediates. Dioxygen binding to the metal cofactor takes place with a forward rate of 5.9×103 M-1 s-1: two orders of magnitude slower than other comparable ring-cleaving dioxygenses. Optical chromophore of the first intermediate is distinct from the in situ generated SDO Fe(III)-O2⋅- complex but closer to the enzyme-substrate precursor.

Effects of Fe Ions, Ultraviolet Irradiation, and Heating on Microscopic Structures of Black Lacquer Films

The chemical reaction between Fe and lacquer has been used to create the black color in lacquer coatings since ancient times. Here, the effects of Fe ion addition, UV irradiation, and heating on the microscopic structures of black lacquer films were investigated by using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The EXAFS result indicated that heating and UV irradiation made the coordination structure of Fe3+ in the lacquer nonuniform, and that heating caused the greatest nonuniformity. The FT-IR, SAXS, and SANS results demonstrated that the microscopic structural changes in the black lacquer films were induced by both heating and UV irradiation, but the changes were different. Heating caused a substantial structural change on the nanoscale, and UV irradiation mainly caused changes in the molecular binding mode. The results provide important knowledge for analyzing archeological lacquer samples and for developing lacquer-based materials. This work also demonstrates the utility of the complementary use of XANES, EXAFS, FT-IR, SAXS, and SANS for nondestructive analysis of black lacquer in precious cultural relics.

Coordination-Promoted Bio-Catechol Electro-Reforming toward Sustainable Polymer Production

Sustainable polymer production is essential for a carbon-neutral society. cis,cis-Muconic acid is attracting growing interest as a biomass-derived platform molecule with direct access to adipic acid and terephthalic acid, prominent monomers of commercial polymers. Here, a sustainable route of electro-reforming biorenewable catechol to cis,cis-muconic acid with concurrent H2 production has been proposed. By using a CuO foam electrode, a high cis,cis-muconate yield of 90% and a high faradaic efficiency of 87% can be achieved under ambient conditions without external oxidant. Zn2+ coordination with the catechol is central to the yield and selectivity. In a combinatory analysis via steady-state electrochemical kinetics, in situ spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation, we revealed that the reaction ensemble of catechol electrooxidation involves three major processes of polymerization, ring cleavage, and depolymerization, in which Zn2+ coordination is highly effective in delaying polymerization and promoting ring cleavage toward cis,cis-muconate. The catecholate coordinated to the Zn2+ cations reallocated its electron density with partial structural deformation to accelerate the electron transfer and facilitate the OH- nucleophilic attack. A practical two-electrode system was eventually demonstrated to efficiently and stably electro-reform catechol into isolable cis,cis-muconic acid and hydrogen, providing solutions for polymer sustainability via utilizing alternative biomass resources and electrified processes.

Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy Definition of Peroxy Intermediates in Catechol Dioxygenases: Factors that Determine Extra- versus Intradiol Cleavage

The extradiol dioxygenases (EDOs) and intradiol dioxygenases (IDOs) are nonheme iron enzymes that catalyze the oxidative aromatic ring cleavage of catechol substrates, playing an essential role in the carbon cycle. The EDOs and IDOs utilize very different FeII and FeIII active sites to catalyze the regiospecificity in their catechol ring cleavage products. The factors governing this difference in cleavage have remained undefined. The EDO homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase (HPCD) and IDO protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (PCD) provide an opportunity to understand this selectivity, as key O2 intermediates have been trapped for both enzymes. Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (in conjunction with density functional theory calculations) is used to define the geometric and electronic structures of these intermediates as FeII-alkylhydroperoxo (HPCD) and FeIII-alkylperoxo (PCD) species. Critically, in both intermediates, the initial peroxo bond orientation is directed toward extradiol product formation. Reaction coordinate calculations were thus performed to evaluate both the extra- and intradiol O-O cleavage for the simple organic alkylhydroperoxo and for the FeII and FeIII metal catalyzed reactions. These results show the FeII-alkylhydroperoxo (EDO) intermediate undergoes facile extradiol O-O bond homolysis due to its extra e-, while for the FeIII-alkylperoxo (IDO) intermediate the extradiol cleavage involves a large barrier and would yield the incorrect extradiol product. This prompted our evaluation of a viable mechanism to rearrange the FeIII-alkylperoxo IDO intermediate for intradiol cleavage, revealing a key role in the rebinding of the displaced Tyr447 ligand in this rearrangement, driven by the proton delivery necessary for O-O bond cleavage.

Spin transitions in ferric catecholate complexes mediated by outer-sphere counteranions

A family of ionic ferric catecholate complexes 1-4 bearing a disubstituted 3,6-di-tert-butyl-catecholate ligand (3,6-DBCatH₂) and tetradentate tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) was prepared and its spin transitions were investigated. Variation of the outer-sphere counteranions (PF₆, BPh₄, ClO₄, BF₄) is accompanied by changes in the magnetic behavior of the compounds under consideration. The crystal structures of complexes 1, 3 and 4 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis at 100 K and 293 K. The complexes were characterized by the occurrence of a thermally induced spin-crossover process in the solid state with different degrees of completeness, which was confirmed by the comprehensive spectroscopic investigation (EPR, magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer, and XAS) of the isolated compounds. Complex 4 containing BF₄ anions was found to demonstrate valence tautomeric transition along with spin-crossover. This finding makes compound 4 the first salt-like mononuclear ferric catecholate complex exhibiting valence tautomerism.

Intranasal Administration of Catechol-Based Pt(IV) Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Therapy

Cisplatin has been described as a potent anticancer agent for decades. However, in the case of glioblastomas, it is only considered a rescue treatment applied after the failure of second-line treatments. Herein, based on the versatility offered by coordination chemistry, we engineered nanoparticles by reaction of a platinum (IV) prodrug and iron metal ions showing in vitro dual pH- and redox-sensitivity, controlled release and comparable cytotoxicity to cisplatin against HeLa and GL261 cells. In vivo intranasal administration in orthotopic preclinical GL261 glioblastoma tumor-bearing mice demonstrated increased accumulation of platinum in tumors, leading in some cases to complete cure and prolonged survival of the tested cohort. This was corroborated by a magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, thus opening new opportunities for intranasal glioblastoma therapies while minimizing side effects. The findings derived from this research showed the potentiality of this approach as a novel therapy for glioblastoma treatment.

The Biologically Relevant Coordination Chemistry of Iron and Nitric Oxide: Electronic Structure and Reactivity

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological events in biology. Metal coordination chemistry, especially with iron, is at the heart of many biological transformations involving NO. A series of heme proteins, nitric oxide synthases (NOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and nitrophorins, are responsible for the biosynthesis, sensing, and transport of NO. Alternatively, NO can be generated from nitrite by heme- and copper-containing nitrite reductases (NIRs). The NO-bearing small molecules such as nitrosothiols and dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) can serve as an alternative vehicle for NO storage and transport. Once NO is formed, the rich reaction chemistry of NO leads to a wide variety of biological activities including reduction of NO by heme or non-heme iron-containing NO reductases and protein post-translational modifications by DNICs. Much of our understanding of the reactivity of metal sites in biology with NO and the mechanisms of these transformations has come from the elucidation of the geometric and electronic structures and chemical reactivity of synthetic model systems, in synergy with biochemical and biophysical studies on the relevant proteins themselves. This review focuses on recent advancements from studies on proteins and model complexes that not only have improved our understanding of the biological roles of NO but also have provided foundations for biomedical research and for bio-inspired catalyst design in energy science.

Bioinspired Theranostic Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles for Intranasal Dopamine Replacement in Parkinson's Disease

Dopamine (DA) is one of the main neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system and has a vital role in the function of dopaminergic (DArgic) neurons. A progressive loss of this specific subset of cells is one of the hallmarks of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Symptomatic therapy for PD has been centered in the precursor l-DOPA administration, an amino acid precursor of DA that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) while DA does not, although this approach presents medium- to long-term side effects. To overcome this limitation, DA-nanoencapsulation therapies are actively being searched as an alternative for DA replacement. However, overcoming the low yield of encapsulation and/or poor biodistribution/bioavailability of DA is still a current challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of a family of neuromelanin bioinspired polymeric nanoparticles. Our system is based on the encapsulation of DA within nanoparticles through its reversible coordination complexation to iron metal nodes polymerized with a bis-imidazol ligand. Our methodology, in addition to being simple and inexpensive, results in DA loading efficiencies of up to 60%. In vitro, DA nanoscale coordination polymers (DA-NCPs) exhibited lower toxicity, degradation kinetics, and enhanced uptake by BE(2)-M17 DArgic cells compared to free DA. Direct infusion of the particles in the ventricle of rats in vivo showed a rapid distribution within the brain of healthy rats, leading to an increase in striatal DA levels. More importantly, after 4 days of nasal administrations with DA-NCPs equivalent to 200 μg of the free drug per day, the number and duration of apomorphine-induced rotations was significantly lower from that in either vehicle or DA-treated rats performed for comparison purposes. Overall, this study demonstrates the advantages of using nanostructured DA for DA-replacement therapy.

Structures and Properties of Dinitrosyl Iron and Cobalt Complexes Ligated by Bis(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane

Two dinitrosyl iron and cobalt complexes [Fe(NO)2(L1”)](BF4) and [Co(NO)2(L1”)](BF4) are synthesized and characterized, supported by a less hindered bidentate nitrogen ligand bis(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (denoted as L1”), are surprisingly stable under argon atmosphere. X-ray structural analysis shows a distorted tetrahedral geometry. Spectroscopic and structural parameters of the dinitrosyl iron and cobalt complexes are consistent with the previous reported {Fe(NO)2}9 and {Co(NO)2}10. Two N–O and M–N(O) stretching frequencies and their magnetic properties are also consistent with the above electronic structural assignments. We explored the dioxygen reactivities of the obtained dinitrosyl complexes. Moreover, the related [FeCl2(L1”)], [Co(NO3)2(L1”)], and [Co(NO2)2(L1”)] complexes are also characterized in detail.

Crystal Structures of L-DOPA Dioxygenase from Streptomyces sclerotialus

Extradiol dioxygenases are essential biocatalysts for breaking down catechols. The vicinal oxygen chelate (VOC) superfamily contains a large number of extradiol dioxygenases, most of which are found as part of catabolic pathways degrading a variety of natural and human-made aromatic rings. The l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) extradiol dioxygenases compose a multitude of pathways that produce various antibacterial or antitumor natural products. The structural features of these dioxygenases are anticipated to be distinct from those of other VOC extradiol dioxygenases. Herein, we identified a new L-DOPA dioxygenase from the thermophilic bacterium Streptomyces sclerotialus (SsDDO) through a sequence and genome context analysis. The activity of SsDDO was kinetically characterized with L-DOPA using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and an oxygen electrode. The optimal temperature of the assay was 55 °C, at which the K_m and k_cat of SsDDO were 110 ± 10 μM and 2.0 ± 0.1 s^-1, respectively. We determined the de novo crystal structures of SsDDO in the ligand-free form and as a substrate-bound complex, refined to 1.99 and 2.31 Å resolution, respectively. These structures reveal that SsDDO possesses a form IV arrangement of βαβββ modules, the first characterization of this assembly from among the VOC/type I extradiol dioxygenase protein family. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of Fe-NO adducts for the resting and substrate-bound enzyme were obtained. This work contributes to our understanding of a growing class of topologically distinct VOC dioxygenases, and the obtained structural features will improve our understanding of the extradiol cleavage reaction within the VOC superfamily.

Versatile iron-catechol-based nanoscale coordination polymers with antiretroviral ligand functionalization and their use as efficient carriers in HIV/AIDS therapy

A novel chemical approach integrating the benefits of nanoparticles with versatility of coordination chemistry is reported herein to increase the effectiveness of well-known HIV antiretroviral drugs. The novelty of our approach is illustrated using a catechol ligand tethered to the known antiretroviral azidothymidine (AZT) as a constitutive building block of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) ensure good encapsulation yields and equivalent antiretroviral activity while significantly diminishing its cytotoxicity. Moreover, this novel family of nanoparticles also offers (i) long-lasting drug release that is dissimilar inside and outside the cells depending on pH, (ii) triggered release in the presence of esterases, activating the antiviral activity in an on-off manner due to a proper chemical design of the ligand and (iii) improved colloidal stabilities and cellular uptakes (up to 50-fold increase). The presence of iron nodes also adds multifunctionality as possible contrast agents. The present study demonstrates the suitability of NCPs bearing pharmacologically active ligands as an alternative to conventional antiretroviral treatments.

Dioxygen reactivity of iron(ii)–gentisate/1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate complexes of N4 ligands: oxidative coupling of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate

Oxidative C–C coupling of iron-coordinated co-ligand: Iron(ii)-1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate complexes of neutral N4 ligands react with dioxygen to display C–C coupling of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate.

Sc3+ (or HClO4) Activation of a Nonheme FeIII-OOH Intermediate for the Rapid Hydroxylation of Cyclohexane and Benzene

[Fe(β-BPMCN)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ (1, BPMCN = N,N' -bis(pyridyl-2-methyl)- N,N' -dimethyl- trans-1,2-diaminocyclo-hexane) is a relatively poor catalyst for cyclohexane oxidation by H₂O₂ and cannot perform benzene hydroxylation. However, addition of Sc³⁺ activates the 1/H₂O₂ reaction mixture to be able to hydroxylate cyclohexane and benzene within seconds at -40 °C. A metastable S = 1/2 Fe^III-(η¹-OOH) intermediate 2 is trapped at -40 °C, which undergoes rapid decay upon addition of Sc³⁺ at rates independent of [substrate] but linearly dependent on [Sc³⁺]. HClO₄ elicits comparable reactivity as Sc³⁺ at the same concentration. We thus postulate that these additives both facilitate O-O bond heterolysis of 2 to form a common highly electrophilic Fe^V═O oxidant that is comparably reactive to the fastest nonheme high-valent iron-oxo oxidants found to date.

cis-Dioxorhenium(V/VI) Complexes Supported by Neutral Tetradentate N4 Ligands. Synthesis, Characterization, and Spectroscopy

A series of cis-dioxorhenium(V) complexes containing chiral tetradentate N₄ ligands, including cis-[Re^V(O)₂(pyxn)]⁺ (1; pyxn = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine), cis-[Re^V(O)₂(6-Me₂pyxn)]⁺ (cis-2), cis-[Re^V(O)₂(R,R-pdp)]⁺ (3; R,R-pdp = 1,1'-bis((R,R)-2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyrrolidine), cis-[Re^V(O)₂(R,R-6-Me₂pdp)]⁺ (4), and cis-[Re^V(O)₂(bqcn)]⁺ (5; bqcn = N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-di(quinolin-8-yl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine), were synthesized. Their structures were established by X-ray crystallography, showing Re-O distances in the range of 1.740(3)-1.769(8) Å and O-Re-O angles of 121.4(2)-124.8(4)°. Their cyclic voltammograms in MeCN (0.1 M [NBu₄]PF₆) display a reversible Re^VI/V couple at E_1/2 = 0.39-0.49 V vs SCE. In aqueous media, three proton-coupled electron transfer reactions corresponding to Re^VI/V, Re^V/III, and Re^III/II couples were observed at pH 1. The Pourbaix diagrams of 1·OTf, 3·OTf, and 5·OTf have been examined. The electronic absorption spectra of the cis-dioxorhenium(V) complexes show three absorption bands at around 800 nm (600-1730 dm³ mol^-1 cm^-1), 580 nm (1700-5580 dm³ mol^-1 cm^-1), and 462-523 nm (3170-6000 dm³ mol^-1 cm^-1). Reaction of 1 with Lewis acids (or protic acids) gave cis-[Re^V(O)(OH)(pyxn)]²⁺ (1·H⁺), in which the Re-O distances are lengthened to 1.788(5) Å. Complex cis-2 resulted from isomerization of trans-2 at elevated temperature. cis-[Re^VI(O)₂(pyxn)](PF₆)₂ (1'·(PF₆)₂) was obtained by constant-potential electrolysis of 1·PF₆ in MeCN (0.1 M [NBu₄]PF₆) at 0.56 V vs SCE; it displays shorter Re-O distances (1.722(4), 1.726(4) Å) and a smaller O-Re-O angle (114.88(18)°) relative to 1 and shows a d-d transition absorption band at 591 nm (ε = 77 dm³ mol^-1 cm^-1). With a driving force of ca. 75 kcal mol^-1, 1' oxidizes hydrocarbons with weak C-H bonds (75.5-76.3 kcal mol^-1) via hydrogen atom abstraction. DFT and TDDFT calculations on the electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of the cis-dioxorhenium(V/VI) complexes were performed.

Dual T1/T2 MRI contrast agent based on hybrid SPION@coordination polymer nanoparticles

A novel dual T₁/T₂¹H-MRI contrast agent based on the encapsulation of super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with an iron coordination polymer is proposed.

Dioxygen reactivity of biomimetic Fe(II) complexes with noninnocent catecholate, o-aminophenolate, and o-phenylenediamine ligands

This study describes the O2 reactivity of a series of high-spin mononuclear Fe(II) complexes each containing the facially coordinating tris(4,5-diphenyl-1-methylimidazol-2-yl)phosphine ((Ph2)TIP) ligand and one of the following bidentate, redox-active ligands: 4-tert-butylcatecholate ((tBu)CatH(-)), 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminophenolate ((tBu2)APH(-)), or 4-tert-butyl-1,2-phenylenediamine ((tBu)PDA). The preparation and X-ray structural characterization of [Fe(2+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu)CatH)]OTf, [3]OTf and [Fe(2+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu)PDA)](OTf)2, [4](OTf)2 are described here, whereas [Fe(2+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu2)APH)]OTf, [2]OTf was reported in our previous paper [Bittner et al., Chem.-Eur. J. 2013, 19, 9686-9698]. These complexes mimic the substrate-bound active sites of nonheme iron dioxygenases, which catalyze the oxidative ring-cleavage of aromatic substrates like catechols and aminophenols. Each complex is oxidized in the presence of O2, and the geometric and electronic structures of the resulting complexes were examined with spectroscopic (absorption, EPR, Mössbauer, resonance Raman) and density functional theory (DFT) methods. Complex [3]OTf reacts rapidly with O2 to yield the ferric-catecholate species [Fe(3+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu)Cat)](+) (3(ox)), which undergoes further oxidation to generate an extradiol cleavage product. In contrast, complex [4](2+) experiences a two-electron (2e(-)), ligand-based oxidation to give [Fe(2+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu)DIBQ)](2+) (4(ox)), where DIBQ is o-diiminobenzoquinone. The reaction of [2](+) with O2 is also a 2e(-) process, yet in this case both the Fe center and (tBu2)AP ligand are oxidized; the resulting complex (2(ox)) is best described as [Fe(3+)((Ph2)TIP)((tBu2)ISQ)](+), where ISQ is o-iminobenzosemiquinone. Thus, the oxidized complexes display a remarkable continuum of electronic structures ranging from [Fe(3+)(L(2-))](+) (3(ox)) to [Fe(3+)(L(•-))](2+) (2(ox)) to [Fe(2+)(L(0))](2+) (4(ox)). Notably, the O2 reaction rates vary by a factor of 10(5) across the series, following the order [3](+) > [2](+) > [4](2+), even though the complexes have similar structures and Fe(3+/2+) redox potentials. To account for the kinetic data, we examined the relative abilities of the title complexes to bind O2 and participate in H-atom transfer reactions. We conclude that the trend in O2 reactivity can be rationalized by accounting for the role of proton transfer(s) in the overall reaction.

Hammett correlations as test of mechanism of CO-induced disulfide elimination from dinitrosyl iron complexes

The use of Hammett correlations provide experimental evidence for an unusual role of the frontier molecular orbitals of an iron dinitrosyl unit in CO induced reductive elimination of disulfide.

Iron(III) complexes with meridional ligands as functional models of intradiol-cleaving catechol dioxygenases

Six dichloroiron(III) complexes of 1,3-bis(2'-arylimino)isoindoline (BAIH) with various N-donor aryl groups have been characterized by spectroscopy (infrared, UV-vis), electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry), microanalysis, and in two cases X-ray crystallography. The structurally characterized Fe(III)Cl(2)(L(n)) complexes (n = 3, L(3) = 1,3-bis(2'-thiazolylimino)isoindoline and n = 5, L(5) = 1,3-bis(4-methyl-2'-piridylimino)isoindoline) are five-coordinate, trigonal bipyramidal with the isoindoline ligands occupying the two axial and one equatorial positions meridionally. These compounds served as precursors for catechol dioxygenase models that were formed in solution upon addition of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (H(2)DBC) and excess triethylamine. These adducts react with dioxygen in N,N-dimethylformamide, and the analysis of the products by chromatography and mass spectrometry showed high intradiol over extradiol selectivity (the intradiol/extradiol product ratios varied between 46.5 and 6.5). Kinetic measurements were performed by following the change in the intensity of the catecholate to iron ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) band, the energy of which is influenced by the isoindolinate-ligand (827-960 nm). In combination with electrochemical investigations the kinetic studies revealed an inverse trend between reaction rates and oxidation potentials associated with the coordinated DBC(2-). On the basis of these results, a substrate activation mechanism is suggested for this system in which the geometry of the peroxide-bridged intermediate may be of key importance in regioselectivity.