Characterization of a novel dioxomolybdenum complex by cyclic voltammetry

Abstract

Metalloenzymes that carry a pterin-based molybdenum cofactor in their center catalyze numerous reactions in the human body and play a crucial role in its metabolism. Specifically, these enzymes promote redox reactions and oxygen transport in the body. Their absence may cause many problems leading to disability or even death in early childhood. Therefore, model compounds need to be synthesized and analyzed to investigate the reactivity, redox potential, and geometry of these cofactors. This study focused on electrode processes and determined the redox potentials of the new bis-(4-mercapto-5-(p-tolyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione)-dioxomolybdenum complex by cyclic voltammetry. The 4-mercapto-5-(p-tolyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione ligand underwent irreversible oxidation and reduction at thiol and thione functional groups. The new dioxomolybdenum complex showed a quasi-reversible two-stage electrode process.