Research in our laboratory is focused on the design, preparation and characterization of iron-carbonyl complexes as organometallic models of the active site of the efficient hydrogen producing [Fe-Fe] hydrogenase enzyme. We have prepared and characterized a series of iron-carbonyl clusters coupled to non-innocent aromatic thiolate ligands. The covalently tethered aryl groups modulate the electronic properties of the iron-carbonyl unit or serve as electron transport chain (Example, Figure 1). Thereby, tuning the proton reduction overpotentials of the clusters. This presentation will contain a series of iron-carbonyl clusters which has been structurally (X-ray crystallography) and spectroscopically (IR, UV-visible and NMR) characterized, and examined as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen-evolution reaction. Our catalysts generate hydrogen from acidic water at milder reduction potentials than similar complexes reported in the literature.<sup>[1-5] </sup>The influence of the different aromatic thiolate groups and structural features on the stability and electrochemical properties of the models will be discussed.<br/>

Biomimetics of [Fe-Fe]-hydrogenase: Catalysts for proton reduction

2019 Spring National Meeting

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