The tetranuclear CuZ catalytic site of nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR) mediates two-electron reduction of N2O during bacterial denitrification. In comparison to the many enzymological, spectroscopic, and computational studies that have been conducted on N2OR with focus on CuZ, comparatively few inorganic model studies have contributed knowledge about the fundamental structure and behavior of such unusual [Cu4S] clusters. In this contribution, our group’s efforts in studying synthesis, electronic structure, and chemical reactivity of multinuclear copper-sulfide clusters will be presented. An emphasis will be placed on a synthetic [Cu4S] system that not only mimics the CuZ structure but also has activity towards N2O reduction.

Synthetic copper-sulfide models of CuZ with activity towards N2O and other small molecules

255th National Meeting (2018)

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