Model complexes that are labeled with magnetic isotopes and which mimic key features of the active sites of sulfite oxidase and related molybdoenzymes are essential for interpretation of the spectroscopic properties and reactivities of the enzyme centers.

Ligand Synthesis

Synthesis of 17O-labeled LPh2S4MoVO(OR) complexes. These models may facilitate interpretation of the EPR spectra of SO that has been reduced in H217O-enriched medium and provide insight into the identity of the corresponding catalytic intermediate.

Ka band pulsed EPR spectrum of LPh2S4MoOCl showing chlorine modulation.

Oxo ligand exchange is studied using 17O-NMR of Mo(VI) model complexes.

The proposed mechanism of oxo ligand exchange via proton transfer can be probed by EPR studies of Mo(V) model complexes.