Two iron- sulphur -nitrosyl cluster complexes, Roussin’s Black salt (RBS), NH4[Fe4S3(NO)7]) and Roussin’s Red salt (RRS), Na2[Fe2S2(NO)4] were synthesized following published procedure and characterized by elemental analyses, Infrared spectroscopy and by spectrophotometric measurements. Both complexes are soluble in water, photochemically active and have the ability to release nitric oxide, NO, which is a very important biochemical messenger. We are interested in investigating the mechanisms of NO release from both RBS and RRS complexes in order to evaluate these complexes as potential pharmaceutical products. Hence, we are reporting here the results of kinetic studies of degradation of both complexes in acidic and basic aqueous media and also preliminary studies of redox reactions involving the biological reductant, ascorbic acid. The mechanisms of these reactions will be discussed in light of kinetic data such as second order rate constants, equilibrium constants, and activation parameters.

Mechanistic investigation of hydrolytic decompositions of Roussin’s black and Roussin’s red salts in aqueous acidic and basic solutions

249th National Meeting (2015)

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