Functional Mononitrosyl Diiron(II) Complex Mediates the Reduction of NO to N2O with Relevance for Flavodiiron NO Reductases

Reaction of [Fe-2(N-Et-HPTB)-(CH3COS)](BF4)(2) (1) with (NO)(BF4) produces a nonheme mononitrosyl diiron(II) complex, [Fe-2(N-Et-HPTB)(NO)(DMF)(3)](BF4)(3) (2). Complex 2 is the first example of a [Fe-II{Fe(NO)}(7)] species and is also the first example of a mononitrosyl diiron(II) complex that mediates the reduction of NO to N2O. This work describes the selective synthesis, detailed characterization and NO reduction activity of 2 and thus,provides new insights regarding the mechanism of flavodiiron nitric oxide reductases.