Electron Transfer-proton Transfer Research Articles

An integrated theoretical-experimental approach to understand facilitated proton transfer-electron transfer coupled reactions at thick-film modified electrodes

The main purpose of the current work is to generalize the analytical model for the facilitated proton transfer-electron transfer coupled reactions at thick organic film-modified electrodes, including ion pairing in the organic phase and considering non-ideal electrolyte solutions in both phases. The main equations to calculate half-wave potentials developed in this model allow the simulation of different chemical systems, comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic neutral weak bases, at different experimental conditions such as pH, organic phase to aqueous phase volume ratio, and concentration ratios between the redox probe and the transferring protonated species. The model was checked against experimental voltammetric responses measured with the transfer of Tylosin A at the water|1,2-dichloroethene interface. Consequently, we present here an integrated theoretical-experimental approach in order to compare the results of our previous model [Zanotto et al. Electrochim. Acta 258 (2017) 727–734] with experimental data from Tylosin A and predicted half-wave potentials.

THERMOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF ERGOTHIONEINE: A DFT STUDY USING M06, WB97XD AND TPSSTPSS METHODS

Antioxidant properties of ergothioneine (ESH) have been investigated via hydrogen atomtransfer (HAT), single electron transfer-proton transfer (SET-PT) and sequential proton losselectron transfer (SPLET) mechanisms. Three new DFT methods including M06, WB97XD andTPSSTPSS at the 6-311++G(2df,2p) basis set were used to compute the thermochemicalparameters of ESH in the gas phase. Based on these methods, bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE),ionization energy (IE), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA) and electrontransfer enthalpy (ETE) were calculated. The results were also compared with the valuesobtained by B3LYP method. The calculated results show that ergothioneine plays a role as apotential antioxidant via HAT mechanism.

COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURES AND ANTIOXIDANT MECHANISM OF OVOTHIOLS

In this paper, the molecular structure and antioxidant activity of ovothiols (OSH) have beenstudied by using four DFT functionals, namely B3LYP, B3PW91, X3LYP, M06 with the basisset of 6-311++G(2df,2p). Two major antioxidant mechanisms, namely, hydrogen atom transfer(HAT) and stepwise electron transfer-proton transfer (SET-PT) have been investigated andapplied on three optimized conformations of ovothiols. Bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE),vertical ionization energy (IE), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), chemical potential (μ),chemical hardness (η) and global electrophilicity (ω), have been calculated and discussed in thegas phase.

Fe-mediated HER vs N2RR: Exploring Factors that Contribute to Selectivity in P3 EFe(N2) (E = B, Si, C) Catalyst Model Systems.

Mitigation of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key challenge in selective small molecule reduction catalysis. This is especially true of catalytic nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reactions (N2RR and CO2RR, respectively) using H+/e- currency. Here we explore, via DFT calculations, three iron model systems, P3 EFe (E = B, Si, C), known to mediate both N2RR and HER, but with different selectivity depending on the identity of the auxiliary ligand. It is suggested that the respective efficiencies of these systems for N2RR trend with the predicted N-H bonds strengths of two putative hydrazido intermediates of the proposed catalytic cycle, P3 EFe(NNH2)+ and P3 EFe(NNH2). Further, a mechanism is presented for undesired HER consistent with DFT studies, and previously reported experimental data, for these systems; bimolecular proton-coupled-electron-transfer (PCET) from intermediates with weak N-H bonds is posited as an important source of H2' instead of more traditional scenarios that proceed via metal hydride intermediates and proton transfer/electron transfer (PT/ET) pathways. Wiberg bond indices provide additional insight into key factors related to the degree of stabilization of P3 EFe(NNH2) species, factors that trend with overall product selectivity.

The Substitution Effect on Reaction Enthalpies of Antioxidant Mechanisms of Juglone and Its Derivatives in Gas and Solution Phase: DFT Study

We examined the structure-reaction enthalpies-antioxidant activity relationship of the molecule library built around juglone and its derivatives at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. Three major antioxidant mechanisms (hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer-proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET)) have been investigated in five solvents and in the gas phase. The delocalization of the unpaired electrons in the radicals or cation radicals has been explored by the natural bond orbital analysis and the interpretation of spin density maps. The results obtained have proven that the HAT mechanism is the thermodynamically preferred mechanism in the gas phase. But, in the solution phase, the SPLET mechanism has been shown to be more predominant than HAT. The reactivity order of compounds towards selected reactive oxygen species has also been studied.

Facilitated proton transfer-electron transfer coupled reactions at thick-film modified electrodes

The theory of cyclic voltammetry of facilitated proton transfer-electron transfer coupled reactions (FPT-ET reactions) in a thick organic film modified electrode is developed. It is shown that the coupling between the facilitated proton transfer-electron transfer processes has a marked effect on the shape of the current-potential profiles. The model allows the analysis of the system in different experimental conditions, such as pH and concentration ratios between the redox probe and the transferring protonated species. This model for proton transfer assisted by different neutral weak bases in a two polarized interfaces system is compared to our previous results for a single polarizable interface. Finally, considerations regarding the application of the thick-film setup are discussed.

Tracking Catalyst Redox States and Reaction Dynamics in Ni-Fe Oxyhydroxide Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts: The Role of Catalyst Support and Electrolyte pH.

Ni-Fe oxyhydroxides are the most active known electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes and are therefore of great scientific and technological importance in the context of electrochemical energy conversion. Here we uncover, investigate, and discuss previously unaddressed effects of conductive supports and the electrolyte pH on the Ni-Fe(OOH) catalyst redox behavior and catalytic OER activity, combining in situ UV-vis spectro-electrochemistry, operando electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and in situ cryo X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Supports and pH > 13 strongly enhanced the precatalytic voltammetric charge of the Ni-Fe oxyhydroxide redox peak couple, shifted them more cathodically, and caused a 2-3-fold increase in the catalytic OER activity. Analysis of DEMS-based faradaic oxygen efficiency and electrochemical UV-vis traces consistently confirmed our voltammetric observations, evidencing both a more cathodic O2 release and a more cathodic onset of Ni oxidation at higher pH. Using UV-vis, which can monitor the amount of oxidized Ni+3/+4 in situ, confirmed an earlier onset of the redox process at high electrolyte pH and further provided evidence of a smaller fraction of Ni+3/+4 in mixed Ni-Fe centers, confirming the unresolved paradox of a reduced metal redox activity with increasing Fe content. A nonmonotonic super-Nernstian pH dependence of the redox peaks with increasing Fe content-displaying Pourbaix slopes as steep as -120 mV/pH-suggested a two proton-one electron transfer. We explain and discuss the experimental pH effects using refined coupled (PCET) and decoupled proton transfer-electron transfer (PT/ET) schemes involving negatively charged oxygenate ligands generated at Fe centers. Together, we offer new insight into the catalytic reaction dynamics and associated catalyst redox chemistry of the most important class of alkaline OER catalysts.

Thermodynamics-antioxidant activity relationships of some 4-benzylidenamino-4, 5-dihydro-1h-1,2,4-triazol-5-one derivatives: Theoretical evaluation

ABSTRACTDensity functional methods were used to predict the antioxidative efficiency of thirteen 4-benzylidenamino-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one derivatives in the gas phase and in the solution phase (water and benzene). Optimized geometries of molecules and reaction thermodynamic energies (enthalpies and reaction-free energies) of three main antioxidant mechanisms (hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer-proton transfer, and sequential proton loss electron transfer) were studied at B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) level. Solvent contributions to thermodynamic energies were computed employing integral equation formalism integral equation formalism polarized continuum model method. Obtained results revealed that the three main working mechanisms were endothermic, but not spontaneous especially in the gas phase. We found that the single electron transfer process from the anionic form was more preferable than that from the neutral form in the gas phase. The comparison of the ionization potentials of 4-benzylidenamino-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one derivatives to those of classical antioxidants (gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and ascorbic acid) indicated that the electron transfer mechanism was more predominant in the thirteen 4-benzylidenamino-4, 5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one derivative compounds. Thermodynamically, single electron transfer process from the anionic form was the most preferable mechanism in the gas phase. Solvent effect drastically modified thermodynamic energies of mechanisms. The proton transfer process was the thermodynamically favored mechanism as compared to other mechanisms in both solvents. It is worth mentioning that all the mechanisms were found not to be spontaneous in the solution phase except the proton transfer process.

Theoretical study on the investigation of antioxidant properties of some hydroxyanthraquinones

ABSTRACTAnthraquinones are located in an important class of natural compounds having antioxidant properties. Quantum chemical calculations based on the density functional theory were employed to study the relationship between the structure and the antioxidant activity of four hydroxyanthraquinones. The solvation effects on the antioxidant activity were taken into account by using the conductor-like polarisable continuum model with different dielectric constants (ε = 2.25, C6H6; ε = 78.39, H2O). The three antioxidant action mechanisms, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer-proton transfer and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) were elucidated. The reaction enthalpies related to the steps in these mechanisms were computed in gas phase and solvents. The calculated results are in line with experimental values. The results showed that HAT was the most favourable mechanism for describing the antioxidant activity of hydroxyanthraquinones in the gas phase and in benzene, whereas in aqueous solution, SPLET represented the most thermodynamically plausible reaction pathway.

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reactions with Photometric Bases Reveal Free Energy Relationships for Proton Transfer.

The proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) oxidation of p-aminophenol in acetonitrile was initiated via stopped-flow rapid-mixing and spectroscopically monitored. For oxidation by ferrocenium in the presence of 7-(dimethylamino)quinoline proton acceptors, both the electron transfer and proton transfer components could be optically monitored in the visible region; the decay of the ferrocenium absorbance is readily monitored (λmax = 620 nm), and the absorbance of the 2,4-substituted 7-(dimethylamino)quinoline derivatives (λmax = 370-392 nm) red-shifts substantially (ca. 70 nm) upon protonation. Spectral analysis revealed the reaction proceeds via a stepwise electron transfer-proton transfer process, and modeling of the kinetics traces monitoring the ferrocenium and quinolinium signals provided rate constants for elementary proton and electron transfer steps. As the pKa values of the conjugate acids of the 2,4-R-7-(dimethylamino)quinoline derivatives employed were readily tuned by varying the substituents at the 2- and 4-positions of the quinoline backbone, the driving force for proton transfer was systematically varied. Proton transfer rate constants (kPT,2 = (1.5-7.5) × 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), kPT,4 = (0.55-3.0) × 10(7) M(-1) s(-1)) were found to correlate with the pKa of the conjugate acid of the proton acceptor, in agreement with anticipated free energy relationships for proton transfer processes in PCET reactions.

Theory Revealing Unusual Non-Rebound Mechanisms Responsible for the Distinct Reactivities of O═MnIV═O and [HO–MnIV–OH]2+ in C–H Bond Activation

This article uses theory to address the origins of the reactivity differences between MnIV═O and MnIV–OH complexes, having identical ligand spheres and metal oxidation states, toward 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA) under different pH conditions. Theory discovers different non-rebound mechanisms leading to unique products for the two complexes. One of these is a novel mechanism that operates under basic conditions and that rationalizes the formation of anthraquinone through an anthracene radical anion intermediate. In addition, the calculations reveal a rich mechanistic scheme having blended hydrogen atom transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer (HAT/PCET) with both proton transfer/electron transfer (PT/ET) and electron transfer/proton transfer (ET/PT) characters. The distinct nature of the transition states, such as PT/ET and ET/PT, for the second H-abstraction reactions from the substrate radical by the MnIV═O and MnIV–OH complexes accounts for the observed product distributions for these two species. ...

Carboxyl Group as a Radical Scavenging Moiety: Thermodynamics of 2H+/2e– Processes of Phloretic Acid

Phloretic acid is one of the most abundant colon catabolites of various classes of polyphenols (e.g., polymeric proanthocyanidins, tea catechins, and ellagitannins). In this paper thermodynamics of 2H+/2e– radical scavenging mechanisms of phloretic acid was studied. For the first time the involvement of carboxyl group in double hydrogen atom transfer (dHAT), double electron transfer-proton transfer (dET-PT) and sequential double proton loss double electron transfer (SdPLdET) processes was investigated. Obtained results indicate that phloretic acid possesses potential for inactivating radicals of different characteristics (HO•, HOO•, CH3O•, CH3OO•, CH2=CH–O–O•, PhO•, Cl3COO• etc.) via dHAT and SdPLdET mechanisms. Because phloretic acid is usually better absorbed than its precursor molecules, it may contribute to health benefits associated with regular intake of polyphenol-rich diet by direct scavenging of radicals.

Oxygenation of methylarenes to benzaldehyde derivatives by a polyoxometalate mediated electron transfer-oxygen transfer reaction in aqueous sulfuric Acid.

The synthesis of benzaldehyde derivatives by oxygenation of methylarenes is of significant conceptual and practical interest because these compounds are important chemical intermediates whose synthesis is still carried out by nonsustainable methods with very low atom economy and formation of copious amounts of waste. Now an oxygenation reaction with a 100% theoretical atom economy using a polyoxometalate oxygen donor has been found. The product yield is typically above 95% with no "overoxidation" to benzoic acids; H2 is released by electrolysis, enabling additional reaction cycles. An electrocatalytic cycle is also feasible. This reaction is possible through the use of an aqueous sulfuric acid solvent, in an aqueous biphasic reaction mode that also allows simple catalyst recycling and recovery. The solvent plays a key role in the reaction mechanism by protonating the polyoxometalate thereby enabling the activation of the methylarenes by an electron transfer process. After additional proton transfer and oxygen transfer steps, benzylic alcohols are formed that further react by an electron transfer-proton transfer sequence forming benzaldehyde derivatives.

Comparative antioxidant potency and solvent polarity effects on HAT mechanisms of tocopherols

The antioxidant activity of the four forms of tocopherol has been investigated in gas phase and in different solvents using PBE0/6-31+G(d) level of theory. The three main working mechanisms, homolytic hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer-proton transfer (SET-PT) and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) have been considered. The O–H bond dissociation free energy (BDFE), ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation free energy (PDFE), proton affinity (PA) and electron transfer free energy (ETFE) parameters have been calculated in gas phase and solvents. The theoretical results show the effect of the substituent position with respect to the phenolic O–H group on the reactivity. The methyl group, in ortho position, lends additional inductive and steric stability to the tocopheroxyl radical and therefore, increases antioxidant activity. α-tocopherol is shown to be the most reactive form in gas phase with the lowest BDFE, IP, and PA values, whereas in all solvents, γ-tocopherol has the lowest PA and PDFE values.The solvent effects are evaluated using an implicit solvation model (IEF-PCM). We have used a good model to calculate the solvation free energy of proton and electron in different media, where proton or electron was attached to one molecule of solvent and the obtained species were optimized using IEF-PCM approach in the same solvent. In gas phase, and non-polar solvents like benzene and toluene, BDFE value is lower than PA and IP, this suggested that HAT would be the most favorable mechanism for explaining the antioxidant activity of tocopherols, whereas SPLET mechanism is thermodynamically preferred in polar solvents like water, DMSO and methanol, where PA value of all forms of tocopherol is considerably lower than BDFE and IP.

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in the Reaction of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylpyruvic Acid with Reactive Species in Various Media

The distinction of concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (CPCET) from sequential one as well as proton transfer-electron transfer (PT-ET) from electron transfer-proton transfer (ET-PT) in the O–H bond cleavage reactions in various media has always been a difficult task. In this work, the activation barrier of the CPCET mechanism, its rate constants, and reaction free energies related to ET-PT and PT-ET involving coreactive species were presented as good parameters to attempt the problem. DFT calculations were carried out studying the described pathways subsequent to the scavenging ofOH•andOBr-by the 3,4-DHPPA in various media. The solvation was described in a hybrid manner using IEF-PCM model conjointly with a model that takes into account some solute-solvent interactions. As a result, we found that the scavenging of hydroxyl radical by 3,4-DHPPA is thermodynamically governed by a one-step hydrogen atom transfer (CPCET) from the acid to the radical in all media. In kinetic viewpoint, CPCET still dominates in the vacuum and in nonpolar solvents, but in polar solvents it could compete strongly with the ET-PT mechanism so that the latter could slightly dominate.

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Tyrosine and a β-Hairpin Maquette: Reaction Dynamics on the Picosecond Time Scale

In proteins, proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) can involve the transient oxidation and reduction of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine. Due to the short life time of tyrosyl radical intermediates, transient absorption spectroscopy provides an important tool in deciphering electron-transfer mechanisms. In this report, the photoionization of solution tyrosine and tyrosinate was investigated using transient, picosecond absorption spectroscopy. The results were compared to data acquired from a tyrosine-containing β-hairpin peptide. This maquette, peptide A, is an 18-mer that exhibits π-π interaction between tyrosine (Y5) and histidine (H14). Y5 and H14 carry out an orthogonal PCET reaction when Y5 is oxidized in the mid-pH range. Photolysis of all samples (280 nm, instrument response: 360 fs) generated a solvated electron signal within 3 ps. A signal from the S1 state and a 410 nm signal from the neutral tyrosyl radical were also formed in 3 ps. Fits to S1 and tyrosyl radical decay profiles revealed biphasic kinetics with time constants of 10-50 and 400-1300 ps. The PCET reaction at pH 9 was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of tyrosyl radical and S1 decay compared to electron transfer (ET) alone (pH 11). This pH dependence was observed both in solution and peptide samples. The pH 9 reaction may occur with a sequential electron-transfer, proton-transfer (ETPT) mechanism. Alternatively, the pH 9 reaction may occur by coupled proton and electron transfer (CPET). CPET would be associated with a reorganization energy larger than that of the pH 11 reaction. Significantly, the decay kinetics of S1 and the tyrosyl radical were accelerated in peptide A compared to solution samples at both pH values. These data suggest either an increase in electronic coupling or a specific, sequence-dependent interaction, which facilitates ET and PCET in the β hairpin.

Role of pendant proton relays and proton-coupled electron transfer on the hydrogen evolution reaction by nickel hangman porphyrins.

The hangman motif provides mechanistic insights into the role of pendant proton relays in governing proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) involved in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We now show improved HER activity of Ni compared with Co hangman porphyrins. Cyclic voltammogram data and simulations, together with computational studies using density functional theory, implicate a shift in electrokinetic zone between Co and Ni hangman porphyrins due to a change in the PCET mechanism. Unlike the Co hangman porphyrin, the Ni hangman porphyrin does not require reduction to the formally metal(0) species before protonation by weak acids in acetonitrile. We conclude that protonation likely occurs at the Ni(I) state followed by reduction, in a stepwise proton transfer-electron transfer pathway. Spectroelectrochemical and computational studies reveal that upon reduction of the Ni(II) compound, the first electron is transferred to a metal-based orbital, whereas the second electron is transferred to a molecular orbital on the porphyrin ring.

Visible-light promoted catalyst-free imidation of arenes and heteroarenes.

We described herein a catalyst-free visible-light photolytic protocol for the imidation of arenes and heteroarenes. N-Bromosaccharin was identified as a viable and chemoselective nitrogen radical precursor that undergoes controllable homolytic cleavage under ambient light irradiation. The reaction can be applied to a number of arenes and heteroarenes with good chemo- and regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed that radical chain termination by electron transfer-proton transfer (ET-PT) is the leading productive pathway for the reaction.

Theoretical study on the antioxidant properties of 2′-hydroxychalcones: H-atom vs. electron transfer mechanism

The free radical scavenging activity of six 2'-hydroxychalcones has been studied in gas phase and solvents using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The three main working mechanisms, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), stepwise electron-transfer-proton-transfer (ET-PT) and sequential-proton-loss-electron-transfer (SPLET) have been considered. The O-H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), proton affinity (PA) and electron transfer energy (ETE) parameters have been computed in gas phase and solvents. The theoretical results confirmed the important role of the B ring in the antioxidant properties of hydroxychalcones. In addition, the calculated results matched well with experimental values. The results suggested that HAT would be the most favorable mechanism for explaining the radical-scavenging activity of hydroxychalcone in gas phase, whereas SPLET mechanism is thermodynamically preferred pathway in aqueous solution.

On the radical scavenging activity of isoflavones: thermodynamics of O–H bond cleavage

We have performed Density Functional Theory B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations of reaction enthalpies of antioxidant action mechanisms for nine isoflavones. O-H bond dissociation enthalpies, ionization potentials, proton dissociation enthalpies, proton affinities and electron transfer enthalpies related to Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT), Single Electron Transfer-Proton Transfer (SET-PT) and Sequential Proton-Loss Electron-Transfer (SPLET) mechanisms were investigated in gas- and solution-phases. Studies on the radical scavenging ability of isoflavones, contrary to various flavonoids, are still scarce. Thus, understanding of its thermodynamics can be considered beneficial. The selection of isoflavones (daidzein, formononetin, genistein, biochanin A, prunetin, 6-hydroxydaidzein, glycitein, orobol and santal) enables us to evaluate the effects of various structural features, such as the presence of methoxy (4'-OMe, 6-OMe, 7-OMe) and hydroxy (3'-OH, 5-OH, 6-OH) groups, on studied reaction enthalpies. The obtained results show that HAT can be attributed predominantly to the B ring, while SPLET takes place preferentially in the A ring, as was also indicated in experimental works.