Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (COdH) in Clostridium thermoaceticum is an a3/33 protein containing six nickels per molecule, in addition to a number of Fe-S clusters. Previous electron paramagnetic resonance (ÉPR) spectroscopic work has suggested that nickel is involved in binding CO forming an EPR-detectable species, which is probably a key intermediate in the oxidation of CO to C02 and in the synthesis of acetate. In order to better define the nature of this nickel site, Ni X-ray absorption spectra have been recorded and interpreted by comparison with model compounds. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectrum for oxidized COdH is different from that of other Ni enzymes. Both the EXAFS and the X-ray absorption edge spectra suggest a Ni site containing substantial sulfur ligation. The Ni X-ray absorption edge spectrum of rubredoxin-oxidized COdH exhibits a characteristic shoulder with an inflection point at 8336 eV. Such a feature is absent in octahedral model compounds, whereas a well-resolved peak is observed in square-planar Ni complexes. A distinct Is -3d transition at 8333 eV is observed in a tetrahedral model. The lack of correspondence suggests that square-pyramidal and distorted-square-planar geometries are plausible candidates for the COdH Ni site. Treatment of rubredoxin-oxidized COdH with hydrogenase and H2 shifts the Ni edge to lower energies, indicating Ni-based reduction.

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Dioxane was found to be involved in the reaction of 2-(arylethynyl)benzaldehydes and 3-aminopyrazine-2-carbohydrazide, and underwent a ring-opening reaction catalyzed by AgOTf. This domino type procedure provided an efficient method for the synthesis of 3-aryl-1-(2-(vinyloxy)ethoxy)isoquinolines in good yields via the loss of a molecule of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxamide.