Redox initiated chemistry of hydrogenase H-cluster model compounds: biologically inspired hydrogen activation catalysts?

Abstract

High efficiency, low temperature, cheap hydrogen activation catalysts suitable for fuel cell applications would provide the basis for the development of environmentally benign technologies suitable for transportation and some power applications. Hydrogenase enzymes are high efficiency, low temperature, hydrogen activation catalysts and the active site of the all-iron version of the enzyme has recently been revealed to be a remarkable, weakly protein bound, iron-sulfur-carbonyl-cyanide complex. Research into the reactions of redox activated abiological model compounds will provide insights into the molecular basis of the enzymatic reaction, potentially leading to the discovery of highly effic..