Redox reactions of a pyrazine-bridged RuIII(edta) binuclear complex: spectrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and theoretical studies.

The redox reactions of a pyrazine-bridged binuclear [(edta)RuIIIpzRuIII(edta)]2- (edta4- = ethylenediaminetetraacetate; pz = pyrazine) have been investigated spectrochemically and spectroelectrochemically for the first time. The kinetics of the reduction of [(edta)RuIIIpzRuIII(edta)]2- (RuIII-RuIII) with the ascorbic acid anion (HA-) was studied as a function of ascorbic concentration and temperature at a fixed pH 6.0. The overall reaction of RuIII-RuIII was found to consist of two-steps involving the initial formation of the mixed-valence [(edta)RuIIpzRuIII(edta)]3- (RuII-RuIII) intermediate complex (λmax = 462 nm, εmax = 10 000 M-1 cm-1), which undergoes further reduction by ascorbic acid to produce the [(edta)RuIIpzRuII(edta)]4-(RuII-RuII) ultimate product complex (λmax = 540 nm, εmax = 20 700 M-1 cm-1). Our studies further revealed that the RuII-RuIII and RuII-RuII species are formed in the electrochemical reduction of the RuIII-RuIII complex at 0.0 and -0.4 V (vs. SHE), respectively. Formation of RuII-RuIII and RuII-RuII was further corroborated by magnetic moment measurements and DFT calculations. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of a mechanism involving rate-determining outer-sphere electron transfer between Ru(III) and the ascorbate monoanion (HA-) at pH 6.0. A detailed reaction mechanism in agreement with the spectral, spectro-electrochemical and kinetic data is presented. The results of the spectral and kinetic studies of the reaction of the RuII-RuII complex with molecular oxygen (O2) reveal the ability of the RuII-RuII species to effect the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) leading to the formation of H2O2, a partial reduction product of dioxygen (O2).

Single-Atom Ru Catalyst-Decorated CNF(ZnO) Nanocages for Efficient H2 Evolution and CH3OH Production.

The presence of transition-metal single-atom catalysts effectively enhances the interaction between the substrate and reactant molecules, thus exhibiting extraordinary catalytic performance. In this work, we for the first time report a facile synthetic procedure for placing highly dispersed Ru single atoms on stable CNF(ZnO) nanocages. We unravel the atomistic nature of the Ru single atoms in CNF(ZnO)/Ru systems using advanced HAADF-STEM, HRTEM, and XANES analytical methods. Density functional theory calculations further support the presence of ruthenium single-atom sites in the CNF(ZnO)/Ru system. Our work further demonstrates the excellent photocatalytic ability of the CNF(ZnO)/Ru system with respect to H2 production (5.8 mmol g-1 h-1) and reduction of CO2 to CH3OH [249 µmol (g of catalyst)-1] with apparent quantum efficiencies of 3.8% and 1.4% for H2 and CH3OH generation, respectively. Our studies unambiguously demonstrate the presence of atomically dispersed ruthenium sites in CNF(ZnO)/Ru catalysts, which greatly enhance charge transfer, thus facilitating the aforementioned photocatalytic redox reactions.

A Personal Account on Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms.

The presented Review is focused on the latest research in the field of inorganic chemistry performed by the van Eldik group and his collaborators. The first part of the manuscript concentrates on the interaction of nitric oxide and its derivatives with biologically important compounds. We summarized mechanistic information on the interaction between model porphyrin systems (microperoxidase) and NO as well as the recent studies on the formation of nitrosylcobalamin (CblNO). The following sections cover the characterization of the Ru(II)/Ru(III) mixed-valence ion-pair complexes, including Ru(II)/Ru(III)(edta) complexes. The last part concerns the latest mechanistic information on the DFT techniques applications. Each section presents the most important results with the mechanistic interpretations.

Reaction mechanisms relevant to the formation and utilization of [Ru(edta)(NO)] complexes in aqueous media.

The advancement of Ru(edta) complexes (edta4- = ethylenediamineteraacetate) mediated reactions, including NO generation and its utilization, has not been systematically reviewed to date. This review aims to report the research progress that has been made in exploring the application of Ru(edta) complexes in trapping and generation of NO. Furthermore, utilization of the potential of Ru(edta) complexes to mimic NO synthase and nitrite reductase activity, including thermodynamics and kinetics of NO binding to Ru(edta) complexes, their NO scavenging (in vitro), and antitumor activity will be discussed. Also, the role of [Ru(edta)(NO)] in mediating electrochemical reduction of nitrite, S-nitrosylation of biological thiols, and cross-talk between NO and H2S, will be covered. Reports on the NO-related chemistry of Fe(edta) complexes showing similar behavior are contextualized in this review for comparison purposes. The research contributions compiled herein will provide in-depth mechanistic knowledge for understanding the diverse routes pertaining to the formation of the [Ru(edta)(NO)] species, and its role in effecting the aforementioned reactions of biochemical significance.

RuIII(edta) complexes as molecular redox catalysts in chemical and electrochemical reduction of dioxygen and hydrogen peroxide: inner-sphere versus outer-sphere mechanism.

The reduction of molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by [RuII(edta)(pz)]2- (edta4- = ethylenediaminetetraacetate; pz = pyrazine) has been studied spectrophotometrically and kinetically in aqueous solution. Exposure of the aqua-analogue [RuII(edta)(H2O)]2- to O2 and H2O2 resulted in the formation of [RuIII(edta)(H2O)]- species, with subsequent formation of the corresponding RuV[double bond, length as m-dash]O complex. A working mechanism for the O2 and H2O2 reduction reactions mediated by the RuII(edta) complexes is proposed. The role of the coordinated water molecule (by its absence or presence in the primary coordination sphere) in controlling the mechanistic pathways, outer-sphere or inner-sphere, is discussed.

Inorganic reaction mechanisms. A personal journey.

This review covers highlights of the work performed in the van Eldik group on inorganic reaction mechanisms over the past two decades in the form of a personal journey. Topics that are covered include, from NO to HNO chemistry, peroxide activation in model porphyrin and enzymatic systems, the wonder-world of RuIII(edta) chemistry, redox chemistry of Ru(iii) complexes, Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes and their application, relevant physicochemical properties and reaction mechanisms in ionic liquids, and mechanistic insight from computational chemistry. In each of these sections, typical examples of mechanistic studies are presented in reference to related work reported in the literature.

Formation of [Ru(III)(edta)(SNO)](2-) in Ru(III)(edta)-Mediated S-Nitrosylation of Bisulfide Ion.

The reaction of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) is of great physiological significance in human organisms. Our present studies show that Ru(III)(edta) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) mediates the S-nitrosylation of bisulfide ion (HS(-)) using NO to form [Ru(III)(edta)(SNO)](2-), the first-ever example of a ruthenium complex containing thionitrite (SNO(-)) in aqueous solution. The reaction product [Ru(III)(edta)(SNO)](2-) was characterized by IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Our studies further show that formation of the putative thionitrous acid coordinated to Ru(III)(edta) does not occur via the reaction of [Ru(III)(edta)NO](-) with HS(-).

Ru(EDTA) mediated partial reduction of O2 by H2S.

An effective procedure for selective reduction of O2 to H2O2 exploring the use of hydrogen sulfide, an obnoxious industrial pollutant as reductant is reported herein. The reduction of [Ru(III)(EDTA)pz](-) (EDTA(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate; pz = pyrazine) by hydrogen sulfide resulting in the formation of a red [Ru(II)(EDTA)pz](2-) complex (λmax = 462 nm) has been studied spectrophotometrically and kinetically using both rapid scan and stopped-flow techniques. The time course of the reaction was followed as a function of [HS(-)]i, pH (5.5-8.5), and temperature. Alkali metal ions were found to have a positive influence (K(+) > Na(+) > Li(+)) on the reaction rate. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of a mechanism (admittedly speculative) involving outer-sphere electron transfer between the reaction partners. Reaction of the red [Ru(II)(EDTA)pz](2-) complex with molecular oxygen regenerates the [Ru(III)(EDTA)pz](-) species in the reacting system along with the formation of H2O2, a partially reduced product of dioxygen (O2) reduction. A detailed reaction mechanism in agreement with the spectral and kinetic data is presented.

Ru(III)(EDTA) mediated S-nitrosylation of cysteine by nitrite.

Reported here is the first example of a ruthenium(iii) complex [Ru(III)(EDTA)(H2O)](-) (EDTA(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) that mediates S-nitrosylation of cysteine in the presence of nitrite at pH 4.5 (acetate buffer) and results in the formation of [Ru(III)(EDTA)(SNOCy)](-). The kinetics of the reaction was studied by stopped-flow and rapid-scan spectrophotometry as a function of [Cysteine], [NO2(-)] and pH (3.5-8.5). Formation of [Ru(III)(EDTA)(SNOCy)](-), the product of the S-nitrosylation reaction, was identified by ESI-MS experiments. A working mechanism in agreement with the spectroscopic and kinetic data is presented.

Direct evidence for catalase activity of [Ru(V)(edta)(O)](-).

Reported is the first example of a ruthenium(III) complex, Ru(III)(edta) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), that catalyzes the disproportion of H2O2 to O2 and water in resemblance to catalase activity, and shedding light on the possible mechanism of action of the [Ru(V)(edta)(O)](-) formed in the reacting system.

Nitrite reduction mediated by the complex RuIII(EDTA).

Reported is the first example of a ruthenium(III)-complex, Ru(III)(EDTA) (EDTA(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), that mediates O-atom transfer from nitrite to the biological thiols cysteine and glutathione, leading to the formation of [Ru(III)(EDTA)(NO(+))](0). However, at pH below 5.0, the coordinated nitrite ion in the [Ru(III)(EDTA)(NO2)](2-) complex undergoes proton-assisted decomposition, resulting in the formation of a [Ru(III)(EDTA)(NO(+))](0) species.

Ru(III)(edta) mediated oxidation of azide in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Azide versus peroxide activation.

The [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)](-) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) complex catalyzes the oxidation of azide (N3(-)) with H2O2, mimicking the action of metallo-enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase in biochemistry. The kinetics of the catalytic oxidation process was studied by using stopped-flow and rapid-scan spectrophotometry as a function of [Ru(III)(edta)], [H2O2], [N3(-)] and pH. The catalytic activity of the different oxidizing species produced in the reaction of [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)](-) with H2O2 for the oxidation of azide was compared to the oxidation of coordinated azide in [Ru(III)(edta)N3](2-) by H2O2. Detailed reaction mechanisms in agreement with the spectroscopic and kinetic data are presented for both reaction paths.

Oxidation of thiocyanate with H2O2 catalyzed by [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)]-.

The [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)](-) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) complex is shown to catalyze the oxidation of thiocyanate (SCN(-)) with H2O2 mimicking the action of peroxidases. The kinetics of the catalytic oxidation process was studied by using stopped-flow and rapid scan spectrophotometry as a function of [Ru(III)(edta)], [H2O2], [SCN(-)], pH (3.2-9.1) and temperature (15-30 °C). Spectral analyses and kinetic data are suggestive of a catalytic pathway in which hydrogen peroxide reacts directly with thiocyanate coordinated to the Ru(III)(edta) complex. Catalytic intermediates such as [Ru(III)(edta)(OOH)](2-) and [Ru(V)(edta)(O)](-) were found to be non-reactive in the oxidation process under the specified conditions. Formation of SO4(2-) and OCN(-) was identified as oxidation products in ESI-MS experiments. A detailed mechanism in agreement with the spectral and kinetic data is presented.

Selective oxidation of thiourea with H(2)O(2) catalyzed by [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-): kinetic and mechanistic studies.

Reported here is the first example of a ruthenium complex, [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), that catalyzes the oxidation of thiourea (TU) in the presence of H(2)O(2). The kinetics and mechanism of this reaction were investigated in detail by using rapid-scan spectrophotometry as a function of both the hydrogen peroxide and thiourea concentrations at pH 4.9 and 25 °C. Spectral analyses and kinetic data clearly support a catalytic process in which hydrogen peroxide reacts directly with thiourea coordinated to the Ru(III)(edta) complex. HPLC product analyses revealed the formation of formamidine disulfide (TU(2)) as a major product at the end of the catalytic process, however, formation of other products like thiourea dioxide (TUO(2)), thiourea dioxide (TUO(3)) and sulfate was also observed after longer reaction times. Catalytic intermediates such as [Ru(III)(edta)(OOH)](2-) and [Ru(V)(edta)(O)](-) were evidently found to be non-reactive in catalyzing the oxidation of thiourea by H(2)O(2) under the specified conditions.

Peroxydisulfate activation by [RuII(tpy)(pic)(H2O)]+. Kinetic, mechanistic and anti-microbial activity studies.

The oxidation of [Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) (tpy = 2,2',6',2''-terpyridine; pic(-) = picolinate) by peroxidisulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) as precursor oxidant has been investigated kinetically by UV-VIS, IR and EPR spectroscopy. The overall oxidation of Ru(II)- to Ru(IV)-species takes place in a consecutive manner involving oxidation of [Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) to [Ru(III)(tpy)(pic)(OH)](+), and its further oxidation of to the ultimate product [Ru(IV)(tpy)(pic)(O)](+) complex. The time course of the reaction was followed as a function of [S(2)O(8)(2-)], ionic strength (I) and temperature. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of an outer-sphere electron transfer mechanism. Anti-microbial activity of Ru(II)(tpy)(pic)H(2)O](+) complex by inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli DH5α in presence of peroxydisulfate has been explored, and the results of the biological studies have been discussed in terms of the [Ru(IV)(tpy)(pic)(O)](+) mediated cleavage of chromosomal DNA of the bacteria.

Kinetics and mechanism of the [Ru(III)(edta)(H2O)](-)-mediated oxidation of cysteine by H2O2.

The kinetics and mechanism of the [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-)-mediated oxidation of cysteine (RSH) by hydrogen peroxide (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), were studied in detail as a function of both the hydrogen peroxide and cysteine concentrations at pH 5.1 and room temperature. The kinetic traces reveal clear evidence for a catalytic process in which hydrogen peroxide reacts directly with cysteine coordinated to the Ru(III)(edta) complex in the form of [Ru(III)(edta)SR](2-). A parallel process in which [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-) first reacts with H(2)O(2) to produce [Ru(V)(edta)O](-) and subsequently oxidizes cysteine, is orders of magnitude slower than the [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-)-mediated oxidation in which cysteine rapidly coordinates to [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-) prior to the reaction with H(2)O(2). HPLC product analyses revealed the formation of cystine (RSSR) as major product along with cysteine sulfinic acid (RSO(2)H) in the reaction system, and established the catalytic role of [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-). Simulations were performed to account for the rather complex kinetic traces in terms of the suggested reaction mechanism. The results of the simulations support the proposed reaction mechanism that involves the oxidation of coordinated cysteine to cysteine sulfenic acid (RSOH), which subsequently rapidly reacts with H(2)O(2) and RSH to form RSO(2)H and RSSR, respectively.

Remarkably high catalytic activity of the Ru(III)(edta)/H2O2 system towards degradation of the azo-dye Orange II.

The Ru(III)(edta)/H(2)O(2) system (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetretaacetate) was found to degrade the azo-dye Orange II at remarkably high efficiency under ambient conditions. Catalytic degradation of the dye was studied by using rapid-scan spectrophotometry as a function of [H(2)O(2)], [Orange II] and pH. Spectral analyses and kinetic data point towards a catalytic pathway involving the rapid formation of [Ru(III)(edta)(OOH)](2-) followed by the immediate subsequent degradation of Orange II prior to the conversion of [Ru(III)(edta)(OOH)](2-) to [Ru(IV)(edta)(OH)](-) and [Ru(V)(edta)(O)](-)via homolysis and heterolysis of the O-O bond, respectively. The higher oxidation state Ru(IV) and Ru(V) complexes react three orders of magnitude slower with Orange II than the Ru(III)-hydroperoxo complex. In comparison to biological oxygen transfer reactions, the Ru(edta) complexes show the reactivity order Compound 0 ≫ Compounds I and II.

Redox reactions of a Ru(III)-edta complex with thioamino acids. Kinetic and mechanistic studies.

The kinetics of reduction of [Ru(III)(edta)pz]⁻ (edta4⁻ = ethylenediaminetetraacetate; pz = pyrazine) by thioamino acids (RSH = cysteine, glutathione) resulting in the formation of a red [Ru(II)(edta)pz]²â» species (λ(max) = 462 nm) has been studied spectrophotometrically using both conventional mixing and stopped-flow techniques. The time course of the reaction was followed as a function of [RSH], pH, temperature and pressure. Alkali metal ions were found to have a positive influence (K(+) > Na(+) > Li(+)) on the reaction rate. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of a mechanism involving outer-sphere electron transfer between the reaction partners. A detailed reaction mechanism in agreement with the spectral and kinetic data is presented.

Kinetics and mechanism of NO production in the Ru(III)-(edta) mediated oxidation of L-arginine with H(2)O(2).

The kinetics of the Ru(III)-(edta) (edta(4-) = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) catalyzed oxidation of l-arginine by H(2)O(2) mimicking the action of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) has been studied spectrophotometrically. The time course of the reaction of [Ru(V)(edta)O](-) with l-arginine was followed at 390 nm under catalytic turn-over conditions. Formation of NO in the reacting system has been confirmed with an isolated nitric oxide free radical analyzer. A detailed reaction mechanism in agreement with the spectral and kinetic data is presented.

[Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-) mediated oxidation of hydroxyurea with H(2)O(2). Kinetic and mechanistic investigation.

Reported in this paper is the first example of a ruthenium complex, [Ru(III)(edta)(H(2)O)](-) (edta = ethylenediaminetetra-acetate), that catalyzes the oxidation of hydroxyurea in the presence of H(2)O(2), mimicking the action of peroxidase or catalase and shedding light on their possible mechanism of action.