No abstract

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to determine the electronic structures of two Mo bis-dithiolene complexes, [Mo(OSi)(bdt) 2 ] 1− and [MoO(OSi)(bdt) 2 ] 1− where OSi = [OSiPh 2 t Bu] 1− and bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate(2−), that model the Mo(IV) and Mo(VI)=O states of the DMSO reductase family of molybdenum enzymes. These results show that the Mo(IV) complex undergoes metalbased oxidation unlike the Mo(IV) tris-dithiolene complexes, indicating that the dithiolene ligands are behaving innocently. Experimentally-validated calculations have been extended to model the oxo-transfer reaction coordinate using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a substrate. The reaction proceeds through a transition state (TS1) to an intermediate with DMSO weakly bound, followed by a subsequent transition state (TS2) which is the largest barrier of the reaction. The factors that control the energies of these transition states, the nature of the oxo transfer process, and the role of the dithiolene ligand are discussed.

Although the kinetics and mechanism of metal-mediated oxygen atom (oxo) transfer reactions have been examined in some detail, sulfur atom (sulfido) transfer reactions have not been similarly scrutinized. The reactions [M(IV)(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-) + Ph(3)AsQ --> [M(VI)Q(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-) + Ph(3)As (M = Mo, W; Q = O, S) with variable substituent X' have been investigated in acetonitrile in order to determine the relative rates of oxo versus sulfido transfer at constant structure (square pyramidal) of the atom acceptor and of atom transfer at constant structure of the atom donor and metal variability of the atom acceptor. All reactions exhibit second-order kinetics and entropies of activation (-25 to -45 eu) consistent with an associative transition state. At parity of atom acceptor, k(2)(S) (0.25-0.75 M(-1)s(-1)) > k(2)(O) (0.023-0.060 M(-1)s(-1)) with M = Mo and k(2)(S) (4.1-66.7 M(-1)s(-1)) > k(2)(O) (1.8-9.8 M(-1)s(-1)) with M = W. At constant atom donor and X', k(2)(W) > k(2)(Mo) with reactivity ratios k(2)(W)/k(2)(Mo) = 78-184 (Q = O) and 16-89 (Q = S). Rate constants refer to 298 K. At constant M and Q, rates increase in the order X' = Me less, similar OMe < H < Br < COMe < CN; increasing electron-withdrawing propensity accelerates reaction rates. The probable transition state involves significant Ph(3)AsQ...M bond-making (X' rate trend) and concomitant As-Q bond weakening (bond energy order As-O > As-S). Orders of oxo and sulfido donor ability of substrates and complexes are deduced on the basis of qualitative reactivity properties determined here and elsewhere. This work complements previous studies of the reaction systems [M(IV)(O-p-C(6)H(4)X')(S(2)C(2)Me(2))(2)](1-)/XO where the substrates are N-oxides and S-oxides and k(2)(W) > k(2)(Mo) at constant substrate also applies. The reaction order of substrates is Me(3)NO > (CH(2))(4)SO > Ph(3)AsS > Ph(3)AsO. This research provides the first quantitative information of metal-mediated sulfido transfer.