Mo, V and Fe Complexes of Tripodal Sulfur-Donor Ligands as Models for Nitrogenase Active Sites

Abstract

A review and discussion with 7 references The cofactor of Mo-nitrogenase (FeMoco) is the site at which N2 is converted into NH3. FeMoco contains an MoFe7S9 cluster with the Mo atom ligated by 1 N, 3 S, and 2 O atoms. The V atom and Fe atom in alternative nitrogenases are probably in similar environment. Here, the chem. of V, Mo, and Fe centers which carry 3 S atoms (plus other ligands) as FeMoco model compounds is discussed in attempting to understand the reaction mechanism of nitrogenase.