Enzyme chemistry dinitrogen complexes

A detailed discussion of the distribution of electrons over the Fe-S and Mo centres of Kpl under various conditions is beyond the scope of this short article and the reader should consult Lowe, Eady and Thorneley (1978) for the most recent data and a literature review. However, at some stage in the catalytic cycle, electrons and protons are accepted by N2 to give NH3. The chemistry of certain Mo-complexes suggests an enzymic mechanism involving the stepwise addition of electrons and protons to N2 coordinated to Mo to yield NH3 via partially-reduced dinitrogen-hydride species (Thorneley et al. 1979). 

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