The removal of toxic carbon monoxide from the atmosphere is of high environmental importance. Soil Bacteria, Oligotropha carboxidovorans, containing the Mo-Cu carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) enzyme, removes millions of toxic carbon monoxide annually from our environment. The CO oxidation by CODH generates CO2 and splits H2O into 2H+ and 2e− in the process. This is similar to the industrial water-gas shift reaction used for hydrogen gas production. While the industrial process requires elevated temperatures and pressures, the bacterial enzyme can carry out this reaction under ambient conditions. To date, there is an inadequate understanding of CO conversion by the enzyme, and a functional model will potentially lead to a better understanding of the water splitting reaction. Our aim is to synthesize functional models using known structural and functional features of the enzyme. Based on our theoretical understanding, we have designed several Mo-Cu models utilizing a bulky tripodal ligand with different N- and S-donors (e.g., N3S, N2S2) on the Mo-side, and 1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me3TACN) on the Cu-side. Currently, we are working towards synthesizing these complexes, and will report our results.

Inorganic model complexes for hydrogen gas production

2019 Spring National Meeting

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