An azadithiolate bridged Fe2S2 complex as active site model of FeFe-hydrogenase covalently linked to a Re(CO)3(bpy)(py) photosensitizer aiming for light-driven hydrogen production

In order to create photoactive catalysts for hydrogen production, a novel trimetallic Re-Fe2S2 complex 4 was synthesized by the coordination of the free -PPh2 group of the ligand of the rhenium photosensitizer 6 to an azadithiolate (ADT)-bridged diiron complex 8 with the assistance of the decarbonylation reagent Me3NO. Complex 4 was characterized by H-1, C-13, P-31 NMR and HRMS spectra. The IR, UV-vis and electrochemical data indicate some interactions between Re and Fe2S2 moieties, and the photo-induced electron transfer from the excited state of the Re moiety to the Fe2S2 catalyst is thermodynamically feasible.