Stefanie Tschierlei

Models for the Active Site in [FeFe] Hydrogenase with Iron-Bound Ligands Derived from Bis-, Tris-, and Tetrakis(mercaptomethyl)silanes

A series of multifunctional (mercaptomethyl)silanes of the general formula type R(n)Si(CH(2)SH)(4-n) (n = 0-2; R = organyl) was synthesized, starting from the corresponding (chloromethyl)silanes. They were used as multidentate ligands for the conversion of dodecacarbonyltriiron, Fe(3)(CO)(12), into iron carbonyl complexes in which the deprotonated (mercaptomethyl)silanes act as μ-bridging ligands. These complexes can be regarded as models for the [FeFe] hydrogenase. They were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, S), NMR spectroscopic studies ((1)H, (13)C, (29)Si), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry to disclose a new mechanism for the formation of dihydrogen catalyzed by these compounds, whereby one sulfur atom was protonated in the catalytic cycle. The reaction of the tridentate ligand MeSi(CH(2)SH)(3) with Fe(3)(CO)(12) yielded a tetranuclear cluster compound. A detailed investigation by X-ray diffraction, electrochemical, Raman, Mössbauer, and susceptibility techniques indicates that for this compound initially [Fe(2){μ-MeSi(CH(2)S)(2)CH(2)SH}(CO)(6)] is formed. This dinuclear complex, however, is slowly transformed into the tetranuclear species [Fe(4){μ-MeSi(CH(2)S)(3)}(2)(CO)(8)].

Protochlorophyllide a: A Comprehensive Photophysical Picture

The photochemistry of protochlorophyllide a, a precursor in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and substrate of the light regulated enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase, is investigated by pump-probe spectroscopy. Upon excitation into the lowest lying Q-band the light induced changes are recorded over a wide range of probe wavelengths in the visible and near-IR region between 500 and 1000 nm. Following excitation, an initial ultrafast 450 fs process is observed related to the motion out of the Franck-Condon region on the excited state surface; thus directly unraveling previous suggestions based on time-resolved fluorescence measurements (ChemPhysChem 2006, 7, 1727-1733). Furthermore, the data reveals a previously concealed photointermediate, whose formation on a nanosecond timescale matches the overall fluorescence decay and is assigned to a triplet state. The implications of this finding with respect to the photochemistry of NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) are discussed.

Photochemical CO2 Reduction Catalyzed by Phenanthroline Extended Tetramesityl Porphyrin Complexes Linked with a Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Unit

A series of heterodinuclear complexes (M-1-Re) based on a phenanthroline (phen) extended tetramesityl porphyrin ligand (H2-1) has been prepared. The phen moiety of this ligand selectively coordinates a Re(I) tricarbonyl chloride unit, whereas the metal in the porphyrin moiety has been varied: namely, Cu, Pd, Zn, Co, or Fe was used. These dinuclear complexes were fully characterized by standard analytical methods. Additionally, a crystal structure of Cu-1-Re·5.5(C7H8)·0.5(C6H6) could be obtained, and extended time-resolved emission lifetime measurements were conducted. Furthermore, their ability to catalyze the photochemical reduction of CO2 to CO was investigated. Light-driven CO2 reduction experiments were performed in dimethylformamide (DMF) using triethylamine (TEA) as the sacrificial electron donor. The TONs (turnover numbers) of CO were determined and revealed a surprising catalytic activity that is obviously independent from the redox activity of the porphyrin metal. We have recently shown that the parent M-1 compounds are active photocatalysts, but the catalytic activity was dependent on the redox activity of the porphyrin metal. In the case of the new heterodinuclear complexes M-1-Re reported in this study, the catalytic active center seems to be the Re(I) moiety and not the porphyrin. Surprisingly, Zn-1-Re proved to be the most active compound in this series showing a TONCO of 13 after 24 h of illumination using a >375 nm cutoff filter while all other compounds showed minimal activity under this condition.