First structural-functional model of methane monooxygenase

The [Fe2OL(OBz)](ClO4)(2) complex (I) was prepared by the interaction of th e 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. Thi s complex is structurally similar to the binuclear unit of an active center of methane monooxygenase (MMO). In this structure, one bridging carboxylat e (in L) becomes fixed, and the other tin OBz) remains mobile, retaining th e capability for substitution reactions and occupying two labile coordinati on sites in the molecule (these sites are required for catalysis). The stru cture of complex I was supported by mass spectrometric analysis and other s pectroscopic data. Complex I catalyzes selective oxidation of methane to me thanol by hydrogen peroxide.