Redox modulation of Low-Volume (100 μL) Solutions for XAFS measurements

Abstract

A key to the understanding of transition metal catalysis is a detailed knowledge of the changes in coordination environment that accompany a change in redox state. The capacity of a given metal complex to support the high rates of electron transfer needed for effective catalysis is strongly dependent on the magnitude of structural reorganization coupled to the redox step. The ability of the ligand to control the dynamics of electron transfer is beautifully illustrated by copper redox proteins such as plastocyanin.[1] The polypeptide-imposed constraints on the environment at the coordination site of the metal minimize the structural change attendant on interconversion between the CuI and CuII..