First structural-functional model of methane monooxygenase

The [Fe2OL(OBz)](ClO4)(2) complex (I) was prepared by the interaction of the new polydentate ligand 2,6-bis [3-[N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl) amino] propoxy]benzoic acid (LH) with Fe(ClO4)(3) in the presence of sodium benzoate. This complex is structurally similar to the binuclear unit of an active center of methane monooxygenase (MMO). In this structure, one bridging carboxylate (in L) becomes fixed, and the other tin OBz) remains mobile, retaining the capability for substitution reactions and occupying two labile coordination sites in the molecule (these sites are required for catalysis). The structure of complex I was supported by mass spectrometric analysis and other spectroscopic data. Complex I catalyzes selective oxidation of methane to methanol by hydrogen peroxide.