Analogues of the [2Fe-2S] subcluster of hydrogenase enzymes in which the central group of the three-atom chain linker between the sulfur atoms is replaced by GeR and SnR groups are studied. The six-membered FeSCECS rings in these complexes (E=Ge or Sn) adopt an unusual conformation with nearly co-planar SCECS atoms perpendicular to the Fe-Fe core. Computational modelling traces this result to the steric interaction of the Me groups with the axial carbonyls of the Fe (CO) cluster and low torsional strain for GeMe and SnMe moieties owing to the long C-Ge and C-Sn bonds. Gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy of these complexes shows a shift of ionization potentials to lower energies with substantial sulfur orbital character and, as supported by the computations, an increase in sulfur character in the predominantly metal-metal bonding HOMO. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that the complexes follow an ECE-type reduction mechanism (E=electron transfer and C=chemical process) in the absence of acid and catalysis of proton reduction in the presence of acid. Two cyclic tetranuclear complexes featuring the sulfur atoms of two Fe S (CO) cores bridged by CH SnR CH , R=Me, Ph, linkers were also obtained and characterized.

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Keywords: Iron / Selenium / Tellurium / Hydrogenases / Electrocatalysis A short overview of diiron dichalcogenolato (Se and Te) model complexes related to the chemistry of the diiron subsite of [FeFe] hydrogenase is presented. These model complexes allow direct comparison with the diiron dithiolato compound analogues for their ability to catalyze the formation of H 2 from weak acids. Few detailed photoelectron spec-

Models of [FeFe]‐hydrogenases containing diselenolato ligands with different bridge linker length have been prepared: Fe2(μ‐Se(CH2)4Se‐μ)(CO)6 (4DS), and Fe2(μ‐Se(CH2)5Se‐μ)(CO)6 (5DS) as well as dithiolato Fe2(μ‐S(CH2)4S‐μ)(CO)6 (4DT) and compared with Fe2(μ‐S(CH2)3S‐μ)(CO)6 (PDT) and Fe2(μ‐Se(CH2)3Se‐μ)(CO)6 (PDS). Compounds 4DT, PDS, 4DS, and 5DS were characterized by spectroscopic techniques including NMR, IR, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), elemental analysis, and X‐ray crystal structure analysis. Combinations of electrochemical measurements, UPS, and density functional theory calculations indicate that oxidations of these five compounds are not significantly affected by chalcogen character but instead are governed by linker length. Cations for all compounds are calculated to adopt a bridged CO “rotated” structure with a vacant site on one of the Fe centers. In 4DT, 4DS, and 5DS, the alkane linker forms an agostic interaction with the vacant site on the rotated Fe. The reduction potentials for these compounds shift positively on average 0.16 V for each carbon added to the alkane linker with shifts being as large as 0.23 V between PDT and 4DT, and as small as 0.09 V between 4DS and 5DS. Catalytic reduction of protons from acetic acid in CH2Cl2 occurs at −1.79 and −1.86 V for PDT and 4DT and −2.02, −2.09, and −2.04 V for PDS, 4DS, and 5DS, indicating that chalcogen character is the primary factor that affects catalytic potential. On average the S‐containing compounds catalyze proton reduction at potentials, which are 0.23 V less negative than the Se‐containing compounds in this study.

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