Metalloenzymes are unique in their ability tomediate chemical transformations with remarkable speed and selectivity.  Reproducing the wide range of reactivity that metalloenzymes perform is an area of intense investigation, and one in which modest success has been achieved.  This researchfocuses on the development of small molecule inorganic complexes for thepurpose of studying the secondary coordination sphere of metalloenzyme mimics.  Novel complexes that contain biologically relevant metal ions (Fe(II), Zn(II), etc.) bound to pyridinediimine (PDI) ligands that contain hydrogen bond donors/acceptors proximal to the central metal ion(s) were synthesized and characterized. These ligands mimic specific chemical environments of the secondary coordination sphere of selected metalloproteins and are able to stabilize biologically relevant substrates (such as hydroxo and aqua ligands) through a series of hydrogen bonds.  The reactivity of these new enzyme mimics and the potential to tune their reactivities towards biologically relevant substrates will be discussed.

Investigation
of a new class of ligands with hydrogen bond donors/acceptors in the secondary coordination sphere

239th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Investigation of a new class of ligands with hydrogen bond donors/acceptors in the secondary coordination sphere