Enzymes have been well documented to catalyze a wide range of reactions involving small molecules (such as carbon dioxide and dinitrogen) into serviceable, biological materials. However, the chemical processes in which these reactions take place are unresolved. The research presented focuses on the secondary coordination sphere of metalloenzyme mimics and how hydrogen bond donors/acceptors play a key role in the chemical processes. Pyridinediimine (PDI) ligands that contain hydrogen bond donors/acceptors were studied. The metal dihalide PDI complexes (ZnIICl2, FeIICl2 and FeIIBr2) were shown to form intramolecular hydrogen bonds located within the secondary coordination sphere through x-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Small molecule activation with these PDI metal complexes will be discussed.

Small molecule activation by pyridinediimine iron complexes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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