Strong intramolecular charge-transfer effect strengthening naphthoquinone-based chemosensor: Experimental and theoretical evaluation

An aminophenol-linked naphthoquinone-based fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor 2-chloro-3-((3-hydroxyphenyl) amino) naphthalene-1,4-dione (2CAN-Dione) was synthesized for selective detection of Sn2+ ion in aqueous solution. The amine and conversion of carbonyl into carboxyl groups play a vital role in the sensing mechanism when Sn2+ is added to 2CAN-Dione. Comprehensive characterization of the sensor was carried out using standard spectral and analytical approaches. Because of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect and the turn-on sensing mode, the strong fluorometric emission towards Sn2+ was observed at about 435 nm. The chemosensor exhibited good selectivity for Sn2+ in the presence of coexisting metal ions. An improved linear connection was established with a low limit of detection (0.167 μM). FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and quantum chemistry methods were performed to verify the binding coordination mechanism. The chemosensing probe 2CAN-Dione was successfully employed in bioimaging investigations, demonstrating that it is a reliable fluorescent marker for Sn2+ in human cancer cells.

"Lighting up" fluoride: cellular imaging and zebrafish model interrogations using a simple ESIPT-based mycophenolic acid precursor-based probe

The discovery and implementation of media that derive from bioinspired designs and bear optical readouts featuring large Stokes shifts are of continued interest to a wide variety of researchers and clinicians. Myco-F, a novel mycophenolic acid precursor-based probe features a cleavable tert-butyldimethylsiloxy group to allow for fluoride detection. Myco-F exhibits high selectivity and specificity towards F^- (Stokes shift = 120 nm). All measurements were performed in complete aqueous media (LOD=0.38 μM). Myco-F enables detection of fluoride ions in living HEK293 cells and localizes in the eye region (among other regions) of the zebrafish. DFT calculations support the proposed ESIPT working photomechanism.

A Manganese Compound I Model with a High Reactivity in the Oxidation of Organic Substrates and Water

A high-valent manganese(IV)-hydroxo porphyrin π-cation radical complex, [Mn(IV)(OH)(Porp^+•)(X)]⁺, was synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The Mn porphyrin intermediate was highly reactive in alkane hydroxylation and oxygen atom transfer reactions. More importantly, the Mn porphyrin intermediate reacted with water at a fast rate, resulting in the dioxygen evolution. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first manganese Cpd I model compound bearing a porphyrin π-cation radical ligand with a high reactivity in oxidation reactions, including water oxidation.

Electronic Effect on Phenoxide Migration at a Nickel(II) Center Supported by a Tridentate Bis(phosphinophenyl)phosphido Ligand

A phosphide nickel(II) phenoxide pincer complex (2) reacts with CO(g) to give a pseudo-tetrahedral nickel(0) monocarbonyl complex (3) possessing a phosphinite moiety. This metal-ligand cooperative (MLC) transformation occurs with a (PPP)Ni scaffold (PPP^- = P[2-PⁱPr₂-C₆H₄]₂^-), which can accommodate both square planar and tetrahedral geometries. The 2-electron reduction of a nickel(II) species induced by CO coordination involves group transfer to generate a P-O bond. For better mechanistic understanding, a series of nickel(II) phenolate complexes (2a-2e, XC₆H₄O^- (X = OMe, Me, H, and CF₃) and pentafluorophenolate) were prepared. Kinetic experimental data reveal that a phenolate species with an electron-withdrawing group reacts faster than those with electron-donating groups. The reaction kinetic experiments were conducted in pseudo-first order conditions at room temperature monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. A pentafluorophenolate nickel(II) complex (2e) reveals instantaneous reactions even at -40 °C to give a nickel(0) monocarbonyl species (3e) and the reverse reaction is also possible. According to kinetic experiments, the rate determining step (RDS) would be the formation of a 5-coordinate intermediate 4 with a negative entropy value (ΔS^‡ < 0), and a positive ρ value based on the Hammett plot indicates that the electron-deficient phenolate leads to a faster CO association. Furthermore, scramble experiments suggest that phenolate de-coordinates from the intermediate 4, which gives a (PPP)Ni-CO species 6. The cationic nickel monocarbonyl intermediate can possess a P^--Ni(II), P•-Ni(I), or even a P⁺-Ni(0) character. Such an inner-sphere electron transfer is suggested when a π-acidic ligand such as CO coordinates to a metal ion. Another possible reaction is homolysis of a Ni-O bond to give P^--Ni(I) or P•-Ni(0), when a phenoxyl radical is liberated. Considering the P-O bond formation, closed-shell nucleophilic and open-shell radical pathways are suggested. A phenolate pathway reveals a lower energy state for 2e relative to other complexes (2c and 2d), while its radical pathway undergoes via a higher energy state. Therefore, the formation of a P-O bond may occur with the binding of a closed-shell phenolate to the electron-deficient P center.

Two-Electron-Induced Reorganization of Cobalt Coordination and Metal-Ligand Cooperative Redox Shifting Co(I) Reactivity toward CO2 Reduction

Electrochemical reorganization of complex structures is directly related to catalytic reactivity; thus, the geometric changes of catalysts induced by electron transfer should be considered to scrutinize the reaction mechanism. Herein, we studied electron-induced reorganization patterns of six-coordinate Co complexes with neutral N-donor ligands. Upon two-electron transfer into a Co center enclosed within a bulky π-acceptor ligand, the catalytic site exhibited different reorganization patterns depending on the ligand characteristics. While a bipyridyl ligand released Co-bound solvent (CH₃CN) to open a reaction site, a phenanthroline ligand caused Co-N_arm (side "arm" of NNN-ligand) bond dissociation. The first electron transfer occurred in the Co(II/I) reduction step and the second electron entered the bulky π-acceptor, of which redox steps were assigned from cyclic voltammograms, magnetic moment measurements, and DFT calculations. In comparison, the Co complex of [NNN^NCH₃-Co(CH₃CN)₃](PF₆)₂ ([1-(CH₃CN)₃](PF₆)₂) showed a high H₂ evolution reactivity (HER), whereas a series of Co complexes with bulky π-acceptors such as [NNN^NCH₃-Co(L)(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (L = phen ([2-CH₃CN](PF₆)₂), bpy ([3-CH₃CN](PF₆)₂), [NNN^NCH₃-Co(tpy)](PF₆)₂ ([4](PF₆)₂), and [NNN^CH₂-Co(phen)(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ ([5-CH₃CN](PF₆)₂)) suppressed the HER but rather enhanced the CO₂ reduction reaction. The metal-ligand cooperative redox steps enabled the shift of Co(I) reactivity toward CO₂ reduction. Additionally, the amine pendant attached to the NNN^NCH₃-ligand could stabilize the CO₂ reduction intermediate through the hydrogen-bonding interaction with the Co-CO₂H adduct.

An end-on bis(μ-hydroxido) dimanganese(II,III) azide complex for C-H bond and O-H bond activation reactions

We report the synthesis of an end-on dinuclear Mn(II) azide complex with two bridging azide ligands that served as a precursor for the formation of an end-on bis(μ-hydroxido) dinuclear Mn(II,III) azide complex upon oxidation by organic peroxide or peracids. Combined experimental and theoretical studies on the reactivity of the end-on bis(μ-hydroxido) dinuclear Mn(II,III) azide complex suggest that the reaction with substrates having weak C-H bond and O-H bond dissociation energy occurred via a H-atom abstraction reaction in a concerted manner.

Nickel-Catalyzed NO Group Transfer Coupled with NOx Conversion

Nitrogen oxide (NO_x) conversion is an important process for balancing the global nitrogen cycle. Distinct from the biological NO_x transformation, we have devised a synthetic approach to this issue by utilizing a bifunctional metal catalyst for producing value-added products from NO_x. Here, we present a novel catalysis based on a Ni pincer system, effectively converting Ni-NO_x to Ni-NO via deoxygenation with CO(g). This is followed by transfer of the in situ generated nitroso group to organic substrates, which favorably occurs at the flattened Ni(I)-NO site via its nucleophilic reaction. Successful catalytic production of oximes from benzyl halides using NaNO₂ is presented with a turnover number of >200 under mild conditions. In a key step of the catalysis, a nickel(I)-^•NO species effectively activates alkyl halides, which is carefully evaluated by both experimental and theoretical methods. Our nickel catalyst effectively fulfills a dual purpose, namely, deoxygenating NO_x anions and catalyzing C-N coupling.

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.

Heme compound II models in chemoselectivity and disproportionation reactions

Heme compound II models bearing electron-deficient and -rich porphyrins, [Fe^IV(O)(TPFPP)(Cl)]⁻ (1a) and [Fe^IV(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 Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> C epoxidation. The latter result is interpreted as 2a disproportionating to form [Fe^IV(O)(TMP⁺˙)]⁺ (2b) and Fe^III(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.

Disproportionation of Cpd II models depends on the electron-richness of the porphyrin ligand; Cpd II with an electron-deficient ligand is difficult to disproportionate, whereas Cpd II with an electron-rich ligand readily disproportionates to form Cpd I as a true oxidant.

Mono- and dinuclear zinc complexes bearing identical bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligand that exhibit alkaline phosphatase-like catalytic reactivity

Mono- and dinuclear zinc(II) complexes bearing bis(thiosemicarbazone) (bTSC) ligand were employed in the cleavage of phosphoester bonds. Comparative kinetic studies combined with theory suggested that the P-O bond cleavage is much accelerated by dinuclear zinc(II) complex in the presence of base. Based on the DFT-optimized structures of the proposed intermediates, it is plausible that (1) the removal of sulfur atoms of bTSC ligand from the zinc center provides two vacant sites for the binding of water (or hydroxide ion) and phosphoester and (2) the H-bonding between water (or hydroxide ion) and phosphoester, through several water molecules, may also assist the P-O bond cleavage and facilitate the nucleophilic attack. The kinetic and catalytic studies on the hydrolysis of phosphoester by dinuclear zinc complex showed a much-enhanced reactivity under basic reaction conditions, reaching over 95% conversion yield within 4 h. The currently presented compounds are arguably one of the faster synthetic Zn-based model performing phosphatase-like activity presented so far.

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.

Metal-ligand cooperative transformation of alkyl azide to isocyanate occurring at a Co-Si moiety

A cobalt-silyl moiety reveals metal-ligand cooperative group transfer to generate isocyanate from the reaction of alkyl azide and CO. This reaction involves the reversible insertion of a nitrene group into a Co-Si bond. Photolysis leads to ligand substitution of a Co(CO)₂ species, allowing the successful catalytic conversion of AdN₃ to AdNCO under CO(g).

Ligand Architecture Perturbation Influences the Reactivity of Nonheme Iron(V)-Oxo Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligand Complexes: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Iron(V)-oxo complexes bearing negatively charged tetraamido macrocyclic ligands (TAMLs) have provided excellent opportunities to investigate the chemical properties and the mechanisms of oxidation reactions of mononuclear nonheme iron(V)-oxo intermediates. Herein, we report the differences in chemical properties and reactivities of two iron(V)-oxo TAML complexes differing by modification on the "Head" part of the TAML framework; one has a phenyl group at the "Head" part (1), whereas the other has four methyl groups replacing the phenyl ring (2). The reactivities of 1 and 2 in both C-H bond activation reactions, such as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) of 1,4-cyclohexadiene, and oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions, such as the oxidation of thioanisole and its derivatives, were compared experimentally. Under identical reaction conditions, 1 showed much greater reactivity than 2, such as a 10²-fold decrease in HAT and a 10⁵-fold decrease in OAT by replacing the phenyl group (i.e., 1) with four methyl groups (i.e., 2). Then, density functional theory calculations were performed to rationalize the reactivity differences between 1 and 2. Computations reproduced the experimental findings well and revealed that the replacement of the phenyl group in 1 with four methyl groups in 2 not only increased the steric hindrance but also enlarged the energy gap between the electron-donating orbital and the electron-accepting orbital. These two factors, steric hindrance and the orbital energy gap, resulted in differences in the reduction potentials of 1 and 2 and their reactivities in oxidation reactions.

Mechanistic dichotomies in redox reactions of mononuclear metal–oxygen intermediates

This review article focuses on various mechanistic dichotomies in redox reactions of metal–oxygen intermediates with the emphasis on understanding and controlling their redox reactivity from experimental and theoretical points of view.

High-Spin Mn(V)-Oxo Intermediate in Nonheme Manganese Complex-Catalyzed Alkane Hydroxylation Reaction: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Mononuclear nonheme manganese complexes are highly efficient catalysts in the catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of carboxylic acids. Although high-valent Mn(V)-oxo complexes have been proposed as the active oxidants that afford high regio-, stereo-, and enantioselectivities in the catalytic oxidation reactions, the importance of the spin state (e.g., S = 0 or 1) of the proposed Mn(V)-oxo species is an area that requires further study. In the present study, we have theoretically demonstrated that a mononuclear nonheme Mn(V)-oxo species with an S = 1 ground spin state is the active oxidant that effects the stereo- and enantioselective alkane hydroxylation reaction; it is noted that synthetic octahedral Mn(V)-oxo complexes, characterized spectroscopically and/or structurally, possess an S = 0 spin state and are sluggish oxidants. In an experimental approach, we have investigated the catalytic hydroxylation of alkanes by a mononuclear nonheme Mn(II) complex, [(S-PMB)Mn^II]²⁺, and H₂O₂ in the presence of carboxylic acids; alcohol is the major product with high stereo- and enantioselectivities. A synthetic Mn(IV)-oxo complex, [(S-PMB)Mn^IV(O)]²⁺, is inactive in C-H bond activation reactions, ruling out the Mn(IV)-oxo species as an active oxidant. DFT calculations have shown that a Mn(V)-oxo species with an S = 1 spin state, [(S-PMB)Mn^V(O)(OAc)]²⁺, is highly reactive and capable of oxygenating the C-H bond via oxygen rebound mechanism; we propose that the triplet spin state of the Mn(V)-oxo species results from the consequence of breaking the equatorial symmetry due to the binding of an equatorial oxygen from an acetate ligand. Thus, the present study reports that, different from the previously reported S = 0 Mn(V)-oxo species, Mn(V)-oxo species with a triplet ground spin state are highly reactive oxidants that are responsible for the regio-, stereo-, and enantioselectivities in the catalytic hydroxylation of alkanes by mononuclear nonheme manganese complexes and terminal oxidants.

A theoretical investigation into the first-row transition metal–O2 adducts

Effects of both metal center and ligand ring size on the properties of metal–O₂ adducts.

A mononuclear manganese(iii)–hydroperoxo complex: synthesis by activating dioxygen and reactivity in electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions

A manganese(iii)–peroxo complex was synthesized by activating dioxygen (O₂) and the amphoteric reactivity of a manganese(iii)–hydroperoxo complex was demonstrated in electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions.

Structure and spin state of nonheme FeIVO complexes depending on temperature: predictive insights from DFT calculations and experiments

The spin states (S = 1 and S = 2) of nonheme FeIVO intermediates are believed to play an important role in determining their chemical properties in enzymatic and biomimetic reactions. However, it is almost impossible to investigate the spin state effect of nonheme FeIVO species experimentally, since FeIVO models having the S = 1 and S = 2 spin states at the same time neither exist nor can be synthesized. However, recent synthesis of an FeIVO complex with an S = 1 spin state (triplet), [(Me3NTB)FeIVO]2+ (1), and a structurally similar FeIVO complex but with an S = 2 spin state (quintet), [(TQA)FeIVO]2+ (2), has allowed us to compare their reactivities at 233 K. In the present study, we show that structural variants control the spin-state selectivity and reactivity of nonheme FeIVO complexes. While 1 and 2 were proposed to be in an octahedral geometry based on DFT calculations and spectroscopic characterization done at 4 K, further DFT calculations show that these species may well assume a trigonal bipyramidal structure by losing one coordinated solvent ligand at 233 K. Thus, the present study demonstrates that the structure and spin state of nonheme FeIVO complexes can be different at different temperatures; therefore, the structural and/or spin state information obtained at 4 K should be carefully used at a higher temperature (e.g., 233 K). In addition to 1 and 2, [(TPA)FeIVO]2+ (3) with an S = 1 spin state, whose spin state was determined spectroscopically and theoretically at 233 K, is included in this study to compare the chemical properties of S = 1 and S = 2 FeIVO complexes. The present results add another dimension to the discussion of the reactivites of nonheme FeIVO species, in which the structural preference and spin state of nonheme FeIVO species can vary depending on temperature.

Tunneling Effect That Changes the Reaction Pathway from Epoxidation to Hydroxylation in the Oxidation of Cyclohexene by a Compound I Model of Cytochrome P450

The rate constants of the C═C epoxidation and the C-H hydroxylation (i.e., allylic C-H bond activation) in the oxidation of cyclohexene by a high-valent iron(IV)-oxo porphyrin π-cation radical complex, [(TMP^•+)Fe^IV(O)(Cl)] (1, TMP = meso-tetramesitylporphyrin dianion), were determined at various temperatures by analyzing the overall rate constants and the products obtained in the cyclohexene oxidation by 1, leading us to conclude that reaction pathway changes from the C═C epoxidation to C-H hydroxylation by decreasing reaction temperature. When cyclohexene was replaced by deuterated cyclohexene (cyclohexene-d₁₀), the epoxidation pathway dominated irrespective of the reaction temperature. The temperature dependence of the rate constant of the C-H hydroxylation pathway in the reactions of cyclohexene and cyclohexene-d₁₀ by 1 suggests that there is a significant tunneling effect on the hydrogen atom abstraction of allylic C-H bonds of cyclohexene by 1, leading us to propose that the tunneling effect is a determining factor for the switchover of the reaction pathway from the C═C epoxidation pathway to the C-H hydroxylation pathway by decreasing reaction temperature. By performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the reaction energy barriers of the C═C epoxidation and C-H bond activation reactions by 1 were found to be similar, supporting the notion that small environmental changes, such as the reaction temperature, can flip the preference for one reaction to another.

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

Enzymatic reactions that involve C-H bond activation of alkanes by high-valent iron-oxo species can be explained by the rebound mechanism (RM). Hydroxylation reactions of alkane substrates effected by the reactive compound I (Cpd I) species of cytochrome P450 enzymes are good examples. There was initially little doubt that the rebound paradigm could be carried over in the same form to the arena of synthetic nonheme high-valent iron-oxo or other metal-oxo complexes. However, the active reaction centres of these synthetic systems are not well-caged, in contrast to the active sites of enzymes; therefore, the relative importance of the radical dissociation pathway can become prominent. Indeed, accumulating experimental and theoretical evidence shows that introduction of the non-rebound mechanism (non-RM) is necessary to rationalise the different reactivity patterns observed for synthetic nonheme complexes. In this tutorial review, we discuss several specific examples involving the non-RM while making frequent comparisons to the RM, mainly from the perspective of computational chemistry. We also provide a technical guide to DFT calculations of RM and non-RM and to the interpretations of computational outcomes.

Mechanistic Insight into the Nitric Oxide Dioxygenation Reaction of Nonheme Iron(III)-Superoxo and Manganese(IV)-Peroxo Complexes

Reactions of nonheme Fe(III) -superoxo and Mn(IV) -peroxo complexes bearing a common tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), namely [(TAML)Fe(III) (O2 )](2-) and [(TAML)Mn(IV) (O2 )](2-) , with nitric oxide (NO) afford the Fe(III) -NO3 complex [(TAML)Fe(III) (NO3 )](2-) and the Mn(V) -oxo complex [(TAML)Mn(V) (O)](-) plus NO2 (-) , respectively. Mechanistic studies, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that M(III) -peroxynitrite (M=Fe and Mn) species, generated in the reactions of [(TAML)Fe(III) (O2 )](2-) and [(TAML)Mn(IV) (O2 )](2-) with NO, are converted into M(IV) (O) and (.) NO2 species through O-O bond homolysis of the peroxynitrite ligand. Then, a rebound of Fe(IV) (O) with (.) NO2 affords [(TAML)Fe(III) (NO3 )](2-) , whereas electron transfer from Mn(IV) (O) to (.) NO2 yields [(TAML)Mn(V) (O)](-) plus NO2 (-) .

Factors Controlling the Chemoselectivity in the Oxidation of Olefins by Nonheme Manganese(IV)-Oxo Complexes

We report the oxidation of cyclic olefins, such as cyclohexene, cyclohexene-d10, and cyclooctene, by mononuclear nonheme manganese(IV)-oxo (Mn(IV)O) and triflic acid (HOTf)-bound Mn(IV)O complexes. In the oxidation of cyclohexene, the Mn(IV)O complexes prefer the C-H bond activation to the C═C double bond epoxidation, whereas the C═C double bond epoxidation becomes a preferred reaction pathway in the cyclohexene oxidation by HOTf-bound Mn(IV)O complexes. In contrast, the oxidation of cyclohexene-d10 and cyclooctene by the Mn(IV)O complexes occurs predominantly via the C═C double bond epoxidation. This conclusion is drawn from the product analysis and kinetic studies of the olefin oxidation reactions, such as the epoxide versus allylic oxidation products, the formation of Mn(II) versus Mn(III) products, and the kinetic analyses. Overall, the experimental results suggest that the energy barrier of the C═C double bond epoxidation is very close to that of the allylic C-H bond activation in the oxidation of cyclic olefins by high-valent metal-oxo complexes. Thus, the preference of the reaction pathways is subject to changes upon small manipulation of the reaction environments, such as the supporting ligands and metal ions in metal-oxo species, the presence of HOTf (i.e., HOTf-bound Mn(IV)O species), and the allylic C-H(D) bond dissociation energies of olefins. This is confirmed by DFT calculations in the oxidation of cyclohexene and cyclooctene, which show multiple pathways with similar rate-limiting energy barriers and depending on the allylic C-H bond dissociation energies. In addition, the possibility of excited state reactivity in the current system is confirmed for epoxidation reactions.

A Manganese(V)-Oxo Complex: Synthesis by Dioxygen Activation and Enhancement of Its Oxidizing Power by Binding Scandium Ion

A mononuclear non-heme manganese(V)-oxo complex, [Mn(V)(O)(TAML)](-) (1), was synthesized by activating dioxygen in the presence of olefins with weak allylic C-H bonds and characterized structurally and spectroscopically. In mechanistic studies, the formation rate of 1 was found to depend on the allylic C-H bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of olefins, and a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value of 16 was obtained in the reactions of cyclohexene and cyclohexene-d10. These results suggest that a hydrogen atom abstraction from the allylic C-H bonds of olefins by a putative Mn(IV)-superoxo species, which is formed by binding O2 by a high-spin (S = 2) [Mn(III)(TAML)](-) complex, is the rate-determining step. A Mn(V)-oxo complex binding Sc(3+) ion, [Mn(V)(O)(TAML)](-)-(Sc(3+)) (2), was also synthesized in the reaction of 1 with Sc(3+) ion and then characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. The binding site of the Sc(3+) ion was proposed to be the TAML ligand, not the Mn-O moiety, probably due to the low basicity of the oxo group compared to the basicity of the amide carbonyl group in the TAML ligand. Reactivity studies of the Mn(V)-oxo intermediates, 1 and 2, in oxygen atom transfer and electron-transfer reactions revealed that the binding of Sc(3+) ion at the TAML ligand of Mn(V)-oxo enhanced its oxidizing power with a positively shifted one-electron reduction potential (ΔEred = 0.70 V). This study reports the first example of tuning the second coordination sphere of high-valent metal-oxo species by binding a redox-inactive metal ion at the supporting ligand site, thereby modulating their electron-transfer properties as well as their reactivities in oxidation reactions.

Mononuclear Nonheme High-Spin (S=2) versus Intermediate-Spin (S=1) Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes in Oxidation Reactions

Mononuclear nonheme high-spin (S=2) iron(IV)-oxo species have been identified as the key intermediates responsible for the C-H bond activation of organic substrates in nonheme iron enzymatic reactions. Herein we report that the C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons by a synthetic mononuclear nonheme high-spin (S=2) iron(IV)-oxo complex occurs through an oxygen non-rebound mechanism, as previously demonstrated in the C-H bond activation by nonheme intermediate (S=1) iron(IV)-oxo complexes. We also report that C-H bond activation is preferred over C=C epoxidation in the oxidation of cyclohexene by the nonheme high-spin (HS) and intermediate-spin (IS) iron(IV)-oxo complexes, whereas the C=C double bond epoxidation becomes a preferred pathway in the oxidation of deuterated cyclohexene by the nonheme HS and IS iron(IV)-oxo complexes. In the epoxidation of styrene derivatives, the HS and IS iron(IV) oxo complexes are found to have similar electrophilic characters.

A theoretical study into a trans-dioxo Mn(V) porphyrin complex that does not follow the oxygen rebound mechanism in C-H bond activation reactions

Previous experimental results revealed that the C-H bond activation reaction by a synthetic trans-dioxo Mn(V) porphyrin complex, [(TF4TMAP)OMn(V)O](3+), does not occur via the well-known oxygen rebound mechanism, which has been well demonstrated in Fe(IV)O porphyrin π-cation radical reactions. In the present study, theoretical calculations offer an explanation through the energetics involved in the C-H bond activation reaction, where a multi-spin state scenario cannot be excluded.

Mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo and manganese(IV)-oxo complexes in oxidation reactions: experimental results prove theoretical prediction

Reactivities of mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo and manganese(IV)-oxo complexes bearing a pentadentate N4Py ligand, [M(IV)O(N4Py)](2+) (M = Fe and Mn), are compared in hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions; theoretical and experimental results show that Fe(IV)O is more reactive than Mn(IV)O. The latter is shown to react through excited state reactivity (ESR).

A mononuclear nonheme cobalt(iii)–hydroperoxide complex with an amphoteric reactivity in electrophilic and nucleophilic oxidative reactions

A mononuclear nonheme cobalt(iii)–hydroperoxide complex bearing a tetramethylated cyclam ligand, which is synthesized by the protonation of its corresponding cobalt(iii)–peroxide complex, exhibits an amphoteric reactivity in electrophilic and nucleophilic oxidative reactions.

Intermetal oxygen atom transfer from an FeVO complex to a MnIII complex: an experimental and theoretical approach

Oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reaction between a mononuclear Fe^VO complex and a Mn^III complex proceeded via both an initial fast direct OAT reaction and a transient Fe^IV–O–Fe^IV comproportionation reaction, ultimately yielding a Mn^VO complex.

Tuning the Reactivity of Chromium(III)-Superoxo Species by Coordinating Axial Ligands

Metal-superoxo species have attracted much attention recently as key intermediates in enzymatic and biomimetic oxidation reactions. The effect(s) of axial ligands on the chemical properties of metal-superoxo complexes has never been explored previously. In this study, we synthesized and characterized chromium(III)-superoxo complexes bearing TMC derivatives with pendant pyridine and imidazole donors, such as [Cr(III)(O2)(TMC-Py)](2+) (1, TMC-Py = 4,8,11-trimethyl-1-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) and [Cr(III)(O2)(TMC-Im)](2+) (2, TMC-Im = 4,8,11-trimethyl-1-(2-methylimidazolmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). The reactivity of chromium(III)-superoxo complexes binding different axial ligands, such as 1, 2, and [Cr(III)(O2)(TMC)(Cl)](+) (3, TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), was then investigated in C-H bond activation and oxygen atom transfer reactions. Kinetic studies revealed that the reactivity of the Cr(III)-superoxo complexes depends on the axial ligands, showing the reactivity order of 1 > 2 > 3 in those electrophilic oxidation reactions. It was also shown that there is a good correlation between the reactivity of the chromium(III)-superoxo complexes and their redox potentials, in which the redox potentials of the chromium(III)-superoxo complexes are in the order 1 > 2 > 3. DFT calculations reproduced the reactivity order between 1 and 3 in both C-H bond activation and oxygen atom transfer reactions, and the latter reaction is described using orbital interactions. The calculations are also in agreement with the experimentally obtained redox potentials. The present results provide the first example showing that the reactivity of metal-superoxo species can be tuned by the electron-donating ability of axial ligands bound trans to the metal-superoxo moiety.

Interplay of Experiment and Theory in Elucidating Mechanisms of Oxidation Reactions by a Nonheme Ru(IV)O Complex

A comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the reactivity patterns and reaction mechanisms in alkane hydroxylation, olefin epoxidation, cyclohexene oxidation, and sulfoxidation reactions by a mononuclear nonheme ruthenium(IV)-oxo complex, [Ru(IV)(O)(terpy)(bpm)](2+) (1), has been conducted. In alkane hydroxylation (i.e., oxygen rebound vs oxygen non-rebound mechanisms), both the experimental and theoretical results show that the substrate radical formed via a rate-determining H atom abstraction of alkanes by 1 prefers dissociation over oxygen rebound and desaturation processes. In the oxidation of olefins by 1, the observations of a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value of 1 and styrene oxide formation lead us to conclude that an epoxidation reaction via oxygen atom transfer (OAT) from the Ru(IV)O complex to the C═C double bond is the dominant pathway. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the epoxidation reaction is a two-step, two-spin-state process. In contrast, the oxidation of cyclohexene by 1 affords products derived from allylic C-H bond oxidation, with a high KIE value of 38(3). The preference for H atom abstraction over C═C double bond epoxidation in the oxidation of cyclohexene by 1 is elucidated by DFT calculations, which show that the energy barrier for C-H activation is 4.5 kcal mol(-1) lower than the energy barrier for epoxidation. In the oxidation of sulfides, sulfoxidation by the electrophilic Ru-oxo group of 1 occurs via a direct OAT mechanism, and DFT calculations show that this is a two-spin-state reaction in which the transition state is the lowest in the S = 0 state.

Tuning the Redox Properties of a Nonheme Iron(III)-Peroxo Complex Binding Redox-Inactive Zinc Ions by Water Molecules

Redox-inactive metal ions play important roles in tuning chemical properties of metal-oxygen intermediates. Herein we report the effect of water molecules on the redox properties of a nonheme iron(III)-peroxo complex binding redox-inactive metal ions. The coordination of two water molecules to a Zn(2+) ion in (TMC)Fe(III) -(O2 )-Zn(CF3 SO3 )2 (1-Zn(2+) ) decreases the Lewis acidity of the Zn(2+) ion, resulting in the decrease of the one-electron oxidation and reduction potentials of 1-Zn(2+) . This further changes the reactivities of 1-Zn(2+) in oxidation and reduction reactions; no reaction occurred upon addition of an oxidant (e.g., cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN)) to 1-Zn(2+) , whereas 1-Zn(2+) coordinating two water molecules, (TMC)Fe(III) -(O2 )-Zn(CF3 SO3 )2 -(OH2 )2 [1-Zn(2+) -(OH2 )2 ], releases the O2 unit in the oxidation reaction. In the reduction reactions, 1-Zn(2+) was converted to its corresponding iron(IV)-oxo species upon addition of a reductant (e.g., a ferrocene derivative), whereas such a reaction occurred at a much slower rate in the case of 1-Zn(2+) -(OH2 )2 . The present results provide the first biomimetic example showing that water molecules at the active sites of metalloenzymes may participate in tuning the redox properties of metal-oxygen intermediates.

Mechanistic insight into the hydroxylation of alkanes by a nonheme iron(V)-oxo complex

Hydroxylation of alkanes by a mononuclear nonheme iron(V)-oxo complex, [Fe(V)(O)(TAML)](-), is initiated by a rate-determining hydrogen atom (H-atom) abstraction, followed by an oxygen non-rebound process. Evidence for the H-atom abstraction-oxygen non-rebound mechanism is obtained experimentally and supported by DFT calculations.

Determination of Spin Inversion Probability, H-Tunneling Correction, and Regioselectivity in the Two-State Reactivity of Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes

We show by experiments that nonheme Fe(IV)O species react with cyclohexene to yield selective hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions with virtually no C═C epoxidation. Straightforward DFT calculations reveal, however, that C═C epoxidation on the S = 2 state possesses a low-energy barrier and should contribute substantially to the oxidation of cyclohexene by the nonheme Fe(IV)O species. By modeling the selectivity of this two-site reactivity, we show that an interplay of tunneling and spin inversion probability (SIP) reverses the apparent barriers and prefers exclusive S = 1 HAT over mixed HAT and C═C epoxidation on S = 2. The model enables us to derive a SIP value by combining experimental and theoretical results.

Spectroscopic characterization and reactivity studies of a mononuclear nonheme Mn(III)-hydroperoxo complex

We report the first example of a mononuclear nonheme manganese(III)-hydroperoxo complex derived from protonation of an isolated manganese(III)-peroxo complex bearing an N-tetramethylated cyclam (TMC) ligand, [Mn(III)(TMC)(OOH)](2+). The Mn(III)-hydroperoxo intermediate is characterized with various spectroscopic methods as well as with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showing the binding of a hydroperoxide ligand in an end-on fashion. The Mn(III)-hydroperoxo species is a competent oxidant in oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions, such as the oxidation of sulfides. The electrophilic character of the Mn(III)-hydroperoxo complex is demonstrated unambiguously in the sulfoxidation of para-substituted thioanisoles.

Investigating Superoxide Transfer through a μ-1,2-O2 Bridge between Nonheme Ni(III)-Peroxo and Mn(II) Species by DFT Methods to Bridge Theoretical and Experimental Views

Previously, a fast unprecedented O2(•-) transfer reaction has been observed experimentally when adding a Mn(II) complex into a solution containing a Ni(III)-peroxo complex. Due to the fast reaction rate, no intermediates were observed. We have investigated this reaction with density functional theory (DFT) and show that DFT is unusually problematic in reproducing the correct spin state for the investigated Ni(III)-peroxo complex, something which calls for examination of all previous Ni-dioxygen studies. Surprisingly, the BP86 functional is shown to yield energies more in agreement with known experiments than B3LYP. The calculations reveal for the first time an intermediate structure in a complete O2(•-) transfer reaction, shown here to be a short-lived bridging Ni-(μ-1,2-O2)-Mn structure.

Demonstration of the heterolytic O-O bond cleavage of putative nonheme iron(II)-OOH(R) complexes for Fenton and enzymatic reactions

One-electron reduction of mononuclear nonheme iron(III) hydroperoxo (Fe(III)-OOH) and iron(III) alkylperoxo (Fe(III)-OOR) complexes by ferrocene (Fc) derivatives resulted in the formation of the corresponding iron(IV) oxo complexes. The conversion rates were dependent on the concentration and oxidation potentials of the electron donors, thus indicating that the reduction of the iron(III) (hydro/alkyl)peroxo complexes to their one-electron reduced iron(II) (hydro/alkyl)peroxo species is the rate-determining step, followed by the heterolytic O-O bond cleavage of the putative iron(II) (hydro/alkyl)peroxo species to give the iron(IV) oxo complexes. Product analysis supported the heterolytic O-O bond-cleavage mechanism. The present results provide the first example showing the one-electron reduction of iron(III) (hydro/alkyl)peroxo complexes and the heterolytic O-O bond cleavage of iron(II) (hydro/alkyl)peroxo species to form iron(IV) oxo intermediates which occur in nonheme iron enzymatic and Fenton reactions.

Reactions of a chromium(III)-superoxo complex and nitric oxide that lead to the formation of chromium(IV)-oxo and chromium(III)-nitrito complexes

The reaction of an end-on Cr(III)-superoxo complex bearing a 14-membered tetraazamacrocyclic TMC ligand, [Cr(III)(14-TMC)(O2)(Cl)](+), with nitric oxide (NO) resulted in the generation of a stable Cr(IV)-oxo species, [Cr(IV)(14-TMC)(O)(Cl)](+), via the formation of a Cr(III)-peroxynitrite intermediate and homolytic O-O bond cleavage of the peroxynitrite ligand. Evidence for the latter comes from electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, computational chemistry and the observation of phenol nitration chemistry. The Cr(IV)-oxo complex does not react with nitrogen dioxide (NO2), but reacts with NO to afford a Cr(III)-nitrito complex, [Cr(III)(14-TMC)(NO2)(Cl)](+). The Cr(IV)-oxo and Cr(III)-nitrito complexes were also characterized spectroscopically and/or structurally.

Enhanced electron-transfer reactivity of nonheme manganese(IV)-oxo complexes by binding scandium ions

One and two scandium ions (Sc(3+)) are bound strongly to nonheme manganese(IV)-oxo complexes, [(N4Py)Mn(IV)(O)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) and [(Bn-TPEN)Mn(IV)(O)](2+) (Bn-TPEN = N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminoethane), to form Mn(IV)(O)-(Sc(3+))1 and Mn(IV)(O)-(Sc(3+))2 complexes, respectively. The binding of Sc(3+) ions to the Mn(IV)(O) complexes was examined by spectroscopic methods as well as by DFT calculations. The one-electron reduction potentials of the Mn(IV)(O) complexes were markedly shifted to a positive direction by binding of Sc(3+) ions. Accordingly, rates of the electron transfer reactions of the Mn(IV)(O) complexes were enhanced as much as 10(7)-fold by binding of two Sc(3+) ions. The driving force dependence of electron transfer from various electron donors to the Mn(IV)(O) and Mn(IV)(O)-(Sc(3+))2 complexes was examined and analyzed in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer to determine the reorganization energies of electron transfer. The smaller reorganization energies and much more positive reduction potentials of the Mn(IV)(O)-(Sc(3+))2 complexes resulted in remarkable enhancement of the electron-transfer reactivity of the Mn(IV)(O) complexes. Such a dramatic enhancement of the electron-transfer reactivity of the Mn(IV)(O) complexes by binding of Sc(3+) ions resulted in the change of mechanism in the sulfoxidation of thioanisoles by Mn(IV)(O) complexes from a direct oxygen atom transfer pathway without metal ion binding to an electron-transfer pathway with binding of Sc(3+) ions.

A mononuclear non-heme high-spin iron(III)-hydroperoxo complex as an active oxidant in sulfoxidation reactions

We report the first direct experimental evidence showing that a high-spin iron(III)-hydroperoxo complex bearing an N-methylated cyclam ligand can oxidize thioanisoles. DFT calculations showed that the reaction pathway involves heterolytic O-O bond cleavage and that the choice of the heterolytic pathway versus the homolytic pathway is dependent on the spin state and the number of electrons in the d(xz) orbital of the Fe(III)-OOH species.