Reversible Alkyl-Group Migration between Iron and Sulfur in [Fe4S4] Clusters

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jul 27;144(29):13184-13195. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c03195. Epub 2022 Jul 13.

Abstract

Synthetic [Fe4S4] clusters with Fe-R groups (R = alkyl/benzyl) are shown to release organic radicals on an [Fe4S4]3+-R/[Fe4S4]2+ redox couple, the same that has been proposed for a radical-generating intermediate in the superfamily of radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzymes. In attempts to trap the immediate precursor to radical generation, a species in which the alkyl group has migrated from Fe to S is instead isolated. This S-alkylated cluster is a structurally faithful model of intermediates proposed in a variety of functionally diverse S transferase enzymes and features an "[Fe4S4]+-like" core that exists as a physical mixture of S = 1/2 and 7/2 states. The latter corresponds to an unusual, valence-localized electronic structure as indicated by distortions in its geometric structure and supported by computational analysis. Fe-to-S alkyl group migration is (electro)chemically reversible, and the preference for Fe vs S alkylation is dictated by the redox state of the cluster. These findings link the organoiron and organosulfur chemistry of Fe-S clusters and are discussed in the context of metalloenzymes that are proposed to make and break Fe-S and/or C-S bonds during catalysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Iron
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins* / chemistry
  • Metalloproteins*
  • S-Adenosylmethionine / chemistry
  • Sulfur

Substances

  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • Metalloproteins
  • Sulfur
  • S-Adenosylmethionine
  • Iron