文摘
A [FeFe]-hydrogenase model (1) containing a chelating diphosphine ligand with a pendant amine was readily oxidized by Fc+ (Fc = Cp2Fe) to a FeIIFeI complex ([1]+), which was isolated at room temperature. The structure of [1]+ with a semibridging CO and a vacant apical site was determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex [1]+ catalytically activates H2 at 1 atm at 25 掳C in the presence of excess Fc+ and P(o-tol)3. More interestingly, the catalytic activity of [1]+ for H2 oxidation remains unchanged in the presence of ca. 2% CO. A computational study of the reaction mechanism showed that the most favorable activation free energy involves a rotation of the bridging CO to an apical position followed by activation of H2 with the help of the internal amine to give a bridging hydride intermediate.