A Common Intermediate for N₂ Formation in Enzymes and Zeolites: Side‐On Cu–Nitrosyl Complexes

Abstract

Side on! Combined FTIR and NMR studies revealed the presence of a side-on nitrosyl species in the zeolite Cu-SSZ-13. This intermediate is very similar to those found in nitrite reductase enzyme systems. The identification of this intermediate led to the proposal of a reaction mechanism that is fully consistent with the results of both kinetic and spectroscopic studies.