Models for haemoglobin–myoglobin: studies with loosely and tightly strapped imidazole ligands

Abstract

Three doubly bridged FeII-porphyrins are synthesized having a cavity formed on one face by an anthracene-containing bridge and an imidazole ligand strapped across the other face; all three models bind oxygen reversibly at ambient temperature, the oxygenated form of the best system being stable for almost 2 days.