Inner-sphere operating catalysts

There has been some exploration of the mechanism of reduction of d transition metal complexes by M2+(aq) (M = Eu, Yb, Sm). Both inner- and outer-sphere mechanisms are believed to operate. Thus the ready reduction of [Co(en)3]3+ by Eu2+(aq) is necessarily outer-sphere. 2 However, the strong rate dependence on the nature of X when [Co(NH3)5X]2+ or [Cr(H20)5X]2+ (X = F, Cl, Br or I) are reduced by Eu2+(aq) possibly suggests an inner-sphere mechanism.653 The more vigorous reducing agent Yb2+ reacts with [Co(NH3)6]3+ and [Co(en)3]3+ by an outer-sphere route but with [Cr(H20)5X]2+ (X = halide) by the inner-sphere mechanism.654 Outer-sphere redox reactions are catalyzed by electron-transfer catalysts such as derivatives of isonicotinic acid, one of the most efficient of which is iV-phenyl-methylisonicotinate, as the free radical intermediate does not suffer attenuation through disproportionation. Using this catalyst, the outer-sphere reaction between Eu2+(aq) and [Co(py)(NH3)5]3+ proceeds as in reactions (18) and (19). Values found were ki = 5.8 x KFM-1 s 1 and k kx = 16.655... 

The identification and investigation of both processes by spectroscopic techniques is not straightforward. In the latter case, the investigation requires the detection of weak inner- and outer-sphere substrate-ligand interactions, which are difficult to interrogate by most spectroscopic techniques as the perturbation to the metal centre can be quite small. These interactions can, however, be investigated by EPR techniques. By probing these key stmcture-reactivity relationships, one can build an accurate model for enantiomer discrimination and ultimately provide a fundamental basis for improvement in the operation of enantioselective catalysts. 

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