Effect of the S-to-S bridge on the redox properties and H2 activation performance of diiron complexes related to the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site

Three biomimetic models of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site, namely diiron dithiolates of [(mu-edt){Fe(CO)(3)}{Fe(CO)(kappa(2)-PNP)}] (1, edt = ethane-1,2-dithiolate, PNP = Ph2PCH2N(nPr)CH2PPh2), [(mu bdtMe){Fe(CO)(3)}{Fe(CO)(kappa(2)-PNP)}] (2, bdtMe = 4-methylbenzene-1,2-dithiolate), and [(mu-adtBn){Fe(CO)(3)} {Fe(CO)(kappa(2)-PNP)}] (3, adtBn = N-benzyl-2-azapropane-1,3-dithiolate), were prepared and structurally characterized. These complexes feature the same PNP ligand but different S-to-S bridges. Influence of the S-to-S bridge on the electrochemical properties and chemical oxidation reactivity of 1-3 was studied by cyclic voltammetry and by in situ IR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the S-to-S bridge has a considerable effect on the oxidation reactivity of 1-3 and on the stability of in situ generated single-electron oxidized complexes, [1](+), [2](+), and [3](+). The performances of [1](+) and [2](+) for H-2 activation were explored in the presence of a mild chemical oxidant, while rapid decomposition of [3](+) thwarted the further study of this complex. Gratifyingly, 1 was found to be catalytically active, although in a low turnover number, for H-2 oxidation in the presence of excess mild oxidant and a proton trapper under 1 atm H-2 at room temperature.