Marcus Cross Relation Research Articles

Reactivity of radiolytically and photochemically generated tertiary amine radicals towards a CO2 reduction catalyst.

Homogeneous solar fuels photocatalytic systems often require several additives in solution with the catalyst to operate, such as a photosensitizer (PS), Brønsted acid/base, and a sacrificial electron donor (SED). Tertiary amines, in particular triethylamine (TEA) and triethanolamine (TEOA), are ubiquitously deployed in photocatalysis applications as SEDs and are capable of reductively quenching the PS's excited state. Upon oxidation, TEA and TEOA form TEA•+ and TEOA•+ radical cations, respectively, which decay by proton transfer to generate redox non-innocent transient radicals, TEA• and TEOA•, respectively, with redox potentials that allow them to participate in an additional electron transfer step, thus resulting in net one-photon/two-electron donation. However, the properties of the TEA• and TEOA• radicals are not well understood, including their reducing powers and kinetics of electron transfer to catalysts. Herein, we have used both pulse radiolysis and laser flash photolysis to generate TEA• and TEOA• radicals in CH3CN, and combined with UV/Vis transient absorption and time-resolved mid-infrared spectroscopies, we have probed the kinetics of reduction of the well-established CO2 reduction photocatalyst, fac-ReCl(bpy)(CO)3 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), by these radicals [kTEA• = (4.4 ± 0.3) × 109 M-1s-1 and kTEOA• = (9.3 ± 0.6) × 107 M-1s-1]. The ∼50× smaller rate constant for TEOA• indicates, that in contrast to a previous assumption, TEA• is a more potent reductant than TEOA• (by ∼0.2V, as estimated using the Marcus cross relation). This knowledge will aid in the design of photocatalytic systems involving SEDs. We also show that TEA can be a useful radiolytic solvent radical scavenger for pulse radiolysis experiments in CH3CN, effectively converting unwanted oxidizing radicals into useful reducing equivalents in the form of TEA• radicals.

Marcus Cross-Relationship Probed by Time-Resolved CIDNP.

The time-resolved CIDNP method can provide information about degenerate exchange reactions (DEEs) involving short-lived radicals. In the temperature range from 8 to 65 °C, the DEE reactions of the guanosine-5'-monophosphate anion GMP(-H)- with the neutral radical GMP(-H)•, of the N-acetyl tyrosine anion N-AcTyrO- with a neutral radical N-AcTyrO•, and of the tyrosine anion TyrO- with a neutral radical TyrO• were studied. In all the studied cases, the radicals were formed in the reaction of quenching triplet 2,2'-dipyridyl. The reorganization energies were obtained from Arrhenius plots. The rate constant of the reductive electron transfer reaction in the pair GMP(-H)•/TyrO- was determined at T = 25 °C. Rate constants of the GMP(-H)• radical reduction reactions with TyrO- and N-AcTyrO- anions calculated by the Marcus cross-relation differ from the experimental ones by two orders of magnitude. The rate constants of several other electron transfer reactions involving GMP(-H)-/GMP(-H)•, N-AcTyrO-/N-AcTyrO•, and TyrO-/TyrO• pairs calculated by cross-relation agree well with the experimental values. The rate of nuclear paramagnetic relaxation was found for the 3,5 and β-protons of TyrO• and N-AcTyrO•, the 8-proton of GMP(-H)•, and the 3,4-protons of DPH• at each temperature. In all cases, the dependences of the rate of nuclear paramagnetic relaxation on temperature are described by the Arrhenius dependence.

Connecting Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Proton Coupled Electron Transfer at Polyoxovanadate Surfaces Using the Marcus Cross Relation.

Here, we evaluate the efficacy of multiple methods for elucidating the average bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of two surface hydroxide moieties in a reduced polyoxovanadate cluster, [V6O11(OH)2(TRIOLNO2)2]-2. Through cyclic voltammetry, individual thermochemical parameters describing proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) are obtained, without the need for synthetic isolation of intermediates. Further, we demonstrate that a method involving a series of open circuit potential measurements with varying ratios of reduced to oxidized clusters is most attractive for the direct measurement of BDFE(O-H) for polyoxovanadate clusters as this approach also determines the stoichiometry of PCET. We subsequently connect the driving force of PCET to the rate constant for the transfer of hydrogen atoms to a series of organic substrates through the Marcus cross relation. We show that this method is applicable for the prediction of reaction rates for multielectron/multiproton transfer reactions, extending the findings from previous work focused on single electron/proton reactions.

Thermal and photoinduced electron transfer reactions of phthalocyanine complexes of Zn(II) and Cu(II) in acetonitrile.

Phthalocyanine that has four peripheral 2-methoxyphenyl substituents at the α-position and its Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized. Chemical oxidation by the Cu(II) ion and electrochemical oxidation of these metal complexes were investigated spectrophotometrically in acetonitrile. The UV-visible absorption spectra of these metal complexes and their one-electron oxidized π-cation radicals showed no concentration dependence, indicating that these species exist as monomers in solution. Kinetics of the thermal electron transfer reaction from each phthalocyanine complex to Cu2+ and the photoinduced electron transfer reaction of the Zn(II) phthalocyanine complex with V(V) and V(IV) Schiff base complexes were studied using conventional spectrophotometric and transient absorption techniques, and the electron transfer rate constants were analysed using the Marcus cross relationship. The obtained rate constants of the electron self-exchange reaction between the parent phthalocyanine complexes and their π-cation radicals were in the order of 109 to 1011 M-1 s-1 at T = 298.2 K. These large electron self-exchange rate constants are consistent with the phthalocyanine-centred redox reactions where small reorganization energies are required with little structural change during the electron transfer process.

The role of molecular interaction between GOD and metal complexes on redox mediation processes

In this work, we study the redox mediation of glucose oxidase (GOD) with a series of Co(II) polypyridine complexes [CoIIL3]2+ (L = 5-Nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-Chloro-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-Bromo-1,10-phenanthroline, 1,10-phenanthroline and 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and Ferrocenecarboxylic acid (Fc-COOH), in order to understand the role of molecular interaction GOD-mediator on homogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks), exploring Marcus cross-relation and tunneling effect model, not reported before. The ks values were calculated through a foot of the wave analysis (FOWA) from cyclic voltammetry data. Circular Dichroism spectroscopy reveals no structural changes in the enzyme in the presence of the redox mediators. The interaction energy between GOD and Co(II) complexes and a series of ferrocene derivatives (FcCOOH, Fc-CH2NH(CH3)2, Fc-1,1-CH3, Fc-CHCH2, and Fc) was calculated using DFT and molecular docking. Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) analyses were explored to rationalize ks values with theoretical calculations. The results allow us to propose that the GOD-mediator interaction, should be considered for a better description of the electron transfer process, useful for potential bioelectronic applications.

Formation of a Copper(II)-Tyrosyl Complex at the Active Site of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases Following Oxidation by H2O2.

Hydrogen peroxide is a cosubstrate for the oxidative cleavage of saccharidic substrates by copper-containing lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). The rate of reaction of LPMOs with hydrogen peroxide is high, but it is accompanied by rapid inactivation of the enzymes, presumably through protein oxidation. Herein, we use UV–vis, CD, XAS, EPR, VT/VH-MCD, and resonance Raman spectroscopies, augmented with mass spectrometry and DFT calculations, to show that the product of reaction of an AA9 LPMO with H2O2 at higher pHs is a singlet Cu(II)–tyrosyl radical species, which is inactive for the oxidation of saccharidic substrates. The Cu(II)–tyrosyl radical center entails the formation of significant Cu(II)–(●OTyr) overlap, which in turn requires that the plane of the d(x2–y2) SOMO of the Cu(II) is orientated toward the tyrosyl radical. We propose from the Marcus cross-relation that the active site tyrosine is part of a “hole-hopping” charge-transfer mechanism formed of a pathway of conserved tyrosine and tryptophan residues, which can protect the protein active site from inactivation during uncoupled turnover.

Low Reorganization Energy for Electron Self-Exchange by a Formally Copper(III,II) Redox Couple.

The rate constant for electron self-exchange (k11) between LCuOH and [LCuOH]- (L = bis-2,6-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)carboximidopyridine) was determined using the Marcus cross relation. This work involved measurement of the rate of the cross-reaction between [Bu4N][LCuOH] and [Fc][BAr4F] (Fc+ = ferrocenium; BAr4F = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate)) by stopped-flow methods at -88 °C in CH2Cl2 and measurement of the equilibrium constant for the redox process by UV-vis titrations under the same conditions. A value of k11 = 3 × 104 M-1 s-1 (-88 °C) led to estimation of a value 9 × 106 M-1 s-1 at 25 °C, which is among the highest values known for copper redox couples. Further Marcus analysis enabled determination of a low reorganization energy, λ = 0.95 ± 0.17 eV, attributed to minimal structural variation between the redox partners. In addition, the reaction entropy (ΔS°) associated with the LCuOH/[LCuOH]- self-exchange was determined from the temperature dependence of the redox potentials, and found to be dependent upon ionic strength. Comparisons to other Cu redox systems and potential new applications for the formally CuIII,II system are discussed.

Applications of the Marcus cross relation to inner sphere reduction of O2: implications in small-molecule activation

The Marcus cross relation is demonstrated to be applicable to inner sphere electron transfer from iron to molecular oxygen by incorporation of the Fe(iii)–O2to Fe(iii) + superoxide BDFE inKeq. A few case-studies are provided as working examples.

Influence of Functionalized Substituents on the Electron‐Transfer Abilities of Copper Guanidinoquinoline Complexes

The influence of functionalized ligands on the electron‐transfer abilities of copper guanidinoquinoline complexes as entatic state models has been examined. An electron donating group (OCH3) or electron withdrawing group (Br) was introduced in 6‐position of the quinoline unit of the ligands TMGqu and DMEGqu. The electron self‐exchange rates k11 of the copper complexes with these ligands were determined using the Marcus cross relation. The k11 values of the functionalized complexes are smaller or equal to the values of their unsubstituted forms. These results were complemented by the examination of the reorganization energies of the electron‐transfer via Eyring theory and DFT calculations. The higher reorganization energies of the [Cu(DMEG6Xqu)2]+/2+ (X = H, Br, OCH3) systems correspond with their decelerated electron‐transfer velocities. Additionally, the calculated molecular electrostatic potentials show the influence of the functional groups on the electron‐transfer. With the addition of the substituent a further charge distribution over the CH3O‐/Br‐group leads to a larger reorganization required during the oxidation reaction. The impact of the functionalization of the ligand on the electron‐transfer of the [Cu(GUA6Xqu)2]+/2+ cations reveals a closer insight in the electronic structure of the complexes and its influence on their electron‐transfer abilities.

Electron Transfer Reactivity of the Aqueous Iron(IV)-Oxo Complex. Outer-Sphere vs Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

The kinetics of oxidation of organic and inorganic reductants by aqueous iron(IV) ions, Fe(IV)(H2O)5O(2+) (hereafter Fe(IV)aqO(2+)), are reported. The substrates examined include several water-soluble ferrocenes, hexachloroiridate(III), polypyridyl complexes M(NN)3(2+) (M = Os, Fe and Ru; NN = phenanthroline, bipyridine and derivatives), HABTS(-)/ABTS(2-), phenothiazines, Co(II)(dmgBF2)2, macrocyclic nickel(II) complexes, and aqueous cerium(III). Most of the reductants were oxidized cleanly to the corresponding one-electron oxidation products, with the exception of phenothiazines which produced the corresponding oxides in a single-step reaction, and polypyridyl complexes of Fe(II) and Ru(II) that generated ligand-modified products. Fe(IV)aqO(2+) oxidizes even Ce(III) (E(0) in 1 M HClO4 = 1.7 V) with a rate constant greater than 10(4) M(-1) s(-1). In 0.10 M aqueous HClO4 at 25 °C, the reactions of Os(phen)3(2+) (k = 2.5 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)), IrCl6(3-) (1.6 × 10(6)), ABTS(2-) (4.7 × 10(7)), and Fe(cp)(C5H4CH2OH) (6.4 × 10(7)) appear to take place by outer sphere electron transfer (OSET). The rate constants for the oxidation of Os(phen)3(2+) and of ferrocenes remained unchanged in the acidity range 0.05 < [H(+)] < 0.10 M, ruling out prior protonation of Fe(IV)aqO(2+) and further supporting the OSET assignment. A fit to Marcus cross-relation yielded a composite parameter (log k22 + E(0)Fe/0.059) = 17.2 ± 0.8, where k22 and E(0)Fe are the self-exchange rate constant and reduction potential, respectively, for the Fe(IV)aqO(2+)/Fe(III)aqO(+) couple. Comparison with literature work suggests k22 < 10(-5) M(-1) s(-1) and thus E(0)(Fe(IV)aqO(2+)/Fe(III)aqO(+)) > 1.3 V. For proton-coupled electron transfer, the reduction potential is estimated at E(0) (Fe(IV)aqO(2+), H(+)/Fe(III)aqOH(2+)) ≥ 1.95 V.

Hydrogen atom transfer reactions of ferrate(VI) with phenols and hydroquinone. Correlation of rate constants with bond strengths and application of the Marcus cross relation.

The oxidation of phenols by HFeO4(-) proceeds via a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism, as evidenced by a large deuterium isotope effect and a linear correlation between the log(rate constant) and bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of phenols. The Marcus cross relation has been applied to predict the rate constant of HAT from hydroquinone to HFeO4(-).

Electron Transfer and Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reactivity and Self-Exchange of Synthetic [2Fe–2S] Complexes: Models for Rieske and mitoNEET Clusters

This report describes the thermochemistry, proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions and self-exchange rate constants for a set of bis-benzimidazolate-ligated [2Fe–2S] clusters. These clusters serve as a model for the chemistry of biological Rieske and mitoNEET clusters. PCET from [Fe2S2(Prbbim)(PrbbimH)]2– (4) and [Fe2S2(Prbbim)(PrbbimH2)]1– (5) to TEMPO occurs via concerted proton–electron transfer (CPET) mechanisms (PrbbimH2 = 4,4-bis-(benzimidazol-2-yl)heptane). Intermolecular electron transfer (ET) self-exchange between [Fe2S2(Prbbim)2]2– (1) and [Fe2S2(Prbbim)2]3– (2) occurs with a rate constant of (1.20 ± 0.06) × 105 M–1 s–1 at 26 °C. A similar self-exchange rate constant is found for the related [2Fe–2S] cluster [Fe2S2(SArO)2]2–/3–, SArO2– = thiosalicylate. These are roughly an order of magnitude slower than that reported for larger [4Fe–4S] clusters and 1 order of magnitude faster than that reported for N-ligated high-spin iron complexes. These results suggest that the rate of intermolecular ET to/from [Fe–S] clusters is modulated by cluster size. The measured PCET self-exchange rate constant for 1 and 4 at −30 °C is (3.8 ± 0.7) × 104 M–1 s–1. Analysis of rate constants using the Marcus cross-relation suggests that this process likely occurs via a concerted proton–electron transfer (CPET) mechanism. The implications of these findings to biological systems are also discussed, including the conclusion that histidine-ligated [2Fe–2S] clusters should not have a strong bias to undergo concerted e–/H+ transfers.

Reactions of the PhthalimideN-Oxyl Radical (PINO) with Activated Phenols: The Contribution of π-Stacking Interactions to Hydrogen Atom Transfer Rates

The kinetics of reactions of the phthalimide N-oxyl radical (PINO) with a series of activated phenols (2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-ol (PMC), 2,6-dimethyl- and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-substituted phenols) were investigated by laser flash photolysis in CH(3)CN and PhCl in order to establish if the reactions with PINO can provide a useful tool for evaluating the radical scavenging ability of phenolic antioxidants. On the basis of the small values of deuterium kinetic isotope effects, the relatively high and negative ρ values in the Hammett correlations and the results of theoretical calculations, we suggest that these reactions proceed by a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism having a significant degree of charge transfer resulting from a π-stacked conformation between PINO and the aromatic ring of the phenols. Kinetic solvent effects were analyzed in detail for the hydrogen transfer from 2,4,6-trimethylphenol to PINO and the data obtained are in accordance with the Snelgrove-Ingold equation for HAT. Experimental rate constants for the reactions of PINO with activated phenols are in accordance with those predicted by applying the Marcus cross relation.

Mechanistic studies of the selective reduction of ruthenium(III) containing trinuclear oxo complexes by l-ascorbic acid in aqueous solution

The reduction of the Ru(III) oxo-centred trinuclear acetate cations, [Ru3(μ3-O)(μ2-CH3CO2)6(H2O)3]+ and [Ru2Cr(μ3-O)(μ2-CH3CO2)6(H2O)3]+, by the biological reductant l-ascorbic acid was studied spectrophotometrically under pseudo first-order conditions over the ranges 3.05 ≤ pH ≤ 4.83 (acetate buffer), 15 °C ≤ θ ≤ 30 °C and at I = 0.5 mol dm−3 (NaClO4). The first electron transfer in the redox process resulted in mixed-valence species [Ru2M(μ3-O)(μ2-CH3CO2)6(H2O)3]0, where M = Ru or Cr, followed by the slow consecutive reduction of other Ru(III) ions. The kinetics of the formation of the mixed-valence species was studied in detail, and a mechanism in support of these data is proposed. The intricate mechanistic details of the subsequent reactions are unclear as the spectral characteristics of the species involved could not be resolved from those of the first intermediate. The final products, however, were found to be Ru(II) (and Cr(III) for the mixed-metal species) in acetate buffer. The electron-transfer mechanism has been proposed to be inner-sphere, as deduced from Marcus cross-relationship. In an aqueous acetate buffer at I = 1.0 mol dm−3 (NaClO4), the cyclic voltammograms of the complexes were found to be quasi-reversible and pH dependent and have values of 0.18 and 0.19 V (relative to SHE) at pH = 3.41 for the [Ru3(μ3-O)(μ2-CH3CO2)6(H2O)3]+ and [Ru2Cr(μ3-O)(μ2-CH3CO2)6(H2O)3]+ cations, respectively.

Simple Marcus-Theory-Type Model for Hydrogen-Atom Transfer/Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

Hydrogen atom transfer reactions are the simplest class of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes. These reactions involve transfer of one electron and one proton from one reagent to another, in the same kinetic step: XH + Y → X + HY. A predictive model for these reactions based on the Marcus cross relation is described. The model predicts rate constants within one or two orders of magnitude in most cases, over a very wide range of reactants and solvents. This remarkable result implies a surprising generality of the additivity postulate for the reaction intrinsic barriers, and a smaller role for the quantum mechanical details of the proton and electron transfers.

Understanding Hydrogen Atom Transfer: From Bond Strengths to Marcus Theory

Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), a key step in many chemical, environmental, and biological processes, is one of the fundamental chemical reactions: A-H + B → A + H-B. Traditional HAT involves p-block radicals such as tert-BuO(•) abstracting H(•) from organic molecules. More recently, the recognition that transition metal species undergo HAT has led to a broader perspective, with HAT viewed as a type of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). When transition metal complexes oxidize substrates by removing H(•) (e(-) + H(+)), typically the electron transfers to the metal and the proton to a ligand. Examples with iron-imidazolinate, vanadium-oxo, and many other complexes are discussed. Although these complexes may not "look like" main group radicals, they have the same pattern of reactivity. For instance, their HAT rate constants parallel the A-H bond strengths within a series of similar reactions. Like main group radicals, they abstract H(•) much faster from O-H bonds than from C-H bonds of the same strength, showing that driving force is not the only determinant of reactivity. This Account describes our development of a conceptual framework for HAT with a Marcus theory approach. In the simplest model, the cross relation uses the self-exchange rate constants (k(AH/A) for AH + A) and the equilibrium constant to predict the rate constant for AH + B: k(AH/B) = (k(AH/A)k(BH/B)K(eq)f)(1/2). For a variety of transition metal oxidants, k(AH/B) is predicted within one or two orders of magnitude with only a few exceptions. For 36 organic reactions of oxyl radicals, k(AH/B) is predicted with an average deviation of a factor of 3.8, and within a factor of 5 for all but six of the reactions. These reactions involve both O-H or C-H bonds, occur in either water or organic solvents, and occur over a range of 10(28) in K(eq) and 10(13) in k(AH/B). The treatment of organic reactions includes the well-established kinetic solvent effect on HAT reactions. This is one of a number of secondary effects that the simple cross relation does not include, such as hydrogen tunneling and the involvement of precursor and successor complexes. This Account includes a number of case studies to illustrate these and various other issues. The success of the cross relation, despite its simplicity, shows that the Marcus approach based on free energies and intrinsic barriers captures much of the essential chemistry of HAT reactions. Among the insights derived from the analysis is that reactions correlate with free energies, not with bond enthalpies. Moreover, the radical character or spin state of an oxidant is not a primary determinant of HAT abstracting ability. The intrinsic barriers for HAT reactions can be understood, at least in part, as Marcus-type inner-sphere reorganization energies. The intrinsic barriers for diverse cross reactions are accurately obtained from the HAT self-exchange rate constants, a remarkable and unprecedented result for any type of chemical reaction other than electron transfer. The Marcus cross relation thus provides a valuable new framework for understanding and predicting HAT reactivity.

Predicting organic hydrogen atom transfer rate constants using the Marcus cross relation.

Chemical reactions that involve net hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) are ubiquitous in chemistry and biology, from the action of antioxidants to industrial and metalloenzyme catalysis. This report develops and validates a procedure to predict rate constants for HAT reactions of oxyl radicals (RO(*)) in various media. Our procedure uses the Marcus cross relation (CR) and includes adjustments for solvent hydrogen-bonding effects on both the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reactions. Kinetic solvent effects (KSEs) are included by using Ingold's model, and thermodynamic solvent effects are accounted for by using an empirical model developed by Abraham. These adjustments are shown to be critical to the success of our combined model, referred to as the CR/KSE model. As an initial test of the CR/KSE model we measured self-exchange and cross rate constants in different solvents for reactions of the 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxyl radical and the hydroxylamine 2,2'-6,6'-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-ol. Excellent agreement is observed between the calculated and directly determined cross rate constants. We then extend the model to over 30 known HAT reactions of oxyl radicals with OH or CH bonds, including biologically relevant reactions of ascorbate, peroxyl radicals, and alpha-tocopherol. The CR/KSE model shows remarkable predictive power, predicting rate constants to within a factor of 5 for almost all of the surveyed HAT reactions.

Is it always correct to use the Marcus cross relation for calculations of electron self-exchange rates?

Abstract The rate constant of the electron self-exchange reaction, which proceeds via the outer sphere mechanism, k 11 , of a redox couple, reflects the basic tendency of the reaction to participate in redox processes. Often k 11 is derived from the rate constant of a redox reaction, k 12 , by applying the Marcus cross relation: k 12 = ( k 11 k 22 K 12 f 12 ) 1/2 W 12 . This derivation is based on the assumption that the products of the cross reaction are formed in their ground states. However, the k 11 values obtained by this method for several redox systems, e.g. for [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+/2+ , Cu 2+/+ (aq) and Eu 3+/2+ (aq), depend strongly on the redox reaction studied for its derivation. It is proposed that these discrepancies are due to the formation, in some of these reactions, of products in vibrationally excited states and/or as isomers of the final products. Thus, the lowest value of k 11 obtained experimentally is either correct or an upper limit for the correct value if correct k 22 are used.

Slow hydrogen atom transfer reactions of oxo- and hydroxo-vanadium compounds: the importance of intrinsic barriers.

Reactions are described that interconvert vanadium(IV) oxo-hydroxo complexes [V(IV)O(OH)(R(2)bpy)(2)]BF(4) (1a-c) and vanadium(V) dioxo complexes [V(V)O(2)(R(2)bpy)(2)]BF(4) (2a-c) [R(2)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine ((t)Bu(2)bpy), a; 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me(2)bpy), b; 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), c]. These are rare examples of pairs of isolated, sterically unencumbered, first-row metal-oxo/hydroxo complexes that differ by a hydrogen atom (H(+) + e(-)). The V(IV)-(t)Bu(2)bpy derivative 1a has a useful (1)H NMR spectrum, despite being paramagnetic. Complex 2a abstracts H(*) from organic substrates with weak O-H and C-H bonds, converting 2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-MeO-C(6)H(2)OH (ArOH) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-N-hydroxypiperidine (TEMPOH) to their corresponding radicals ArO(*) and TEMPO, hydroquinone to benzoquinone, and dihydroanthracene to anthracene. The equilibrium constant for 2a + ArOH <==> 1a + ArO(*) is (4 +/- 2) x 10(-3), implying that the VO-H bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) is 70.6 +/- 1.2 kcal mol(-1). Consistent with this value, 1a is oxidized by 2,4,6-(t)Bu(3)C(6)H(2)O(*). All of these reactions are surprisingly slow, typically occurring over hours at ambient temperatures. The net hydrogen-atom pseudo-self-exchange 1a + 2b <==> 2a + 1b, using the (t)Bu- and Me-bpy substituents as labels, also occurs slowly, with k(se) = 1.3 x 10(-2) M(-1) s(-1) at 298 K, DeltaH(double dagger) = 15 +/- 2 kcal mol(-1), and DeltaS(double dagger) = 16 +/- 5 cal mol(-1) K. Using this k(se) and the BDFE, the vanadium reactions are shown to follow the Marcus cross relation moderately well, with calculated rate constants within 10(2) of the observed values. The vanadium self-exchange reaction is ca. 10(6) slower than that for the related Ru(IV)O(py)(bpy)(2)(2+)/Ru(III)OH(py)(bpy)(2)(2+) self-exchange. The origin of this dramatic difference has been probed with DFT calculations on the self-exchange reactions of 1c + 2c and on monocationic ruthenium complexes with pyrrolate or fluoride in place of the py ligands. The calculations reproduce the difference in barrier heights and show that transfer of a hydrogen atom involves more structural reorganization for vanadium than the Ru analogues. The vanadium complexes have larger changes in the metal-oxo and metal-hydroxo bond lengths, which is traced to the difference in d-orbital occupancy in the two systems. This study thus highlights the importance of intrinsic barriers in the transfer of a hydrogen atom, in addition to the thermochemical (bond strength) factors that have been previously emphasized.

Electron transfer reaction of porphyrin and porphycene complexes of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in acetonitrile

The outer-sphere one-electron oxidation reaction of the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of nonplanar 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and planar porphycenes as well as those of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin and 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin by Cu(2+) giving corresponding pi-cation radicals was investigated spectrophotometrically in acetonitrile. The electron self-exchange rate constants between the parent porphyrin and porphycene complexes and their pi-cation radicals were determined using the Marcus cross relation for the electron transfer reaction. The obtained rate constants are in the order of 10(9) to 10(11) M(-1) s(-1) for the planar porphyrin and porphycene complexes and 10(4) to 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for the nonplanar OETPP complexes at T = 25.0 degrees C. The relatively slow self-exchange reaction of the distorted porphyrin complexes, as compared with those for the planar porphyrin and porphycene complexes, was ascribed to the significant deformation of the complex associated with the oxidation reaction from the parent complex to the corresponding pi-cation radical.