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

Abstract

Reaction of [Fe₂(N-Et-HPTB)(CH₃COS)](BF₄)₂ (1) with (NO)(BF₄) produces a nonheme mononitrosyl diiron(II) complex, [Fe₂(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.