Complexes of macrocycles with pendant arms as models for biological molecules

Recent literature results on inorganic models related to metalloenzymes whi ch transport electrons or activate small molecules are discussed in this re view. The molecular systems are essentially restricted to macrocyclic or po lydentate ligands preferentially containing nitrogen atoms and pendant arms . The discussion is mainly concerned with aspects such as spectroscopic, el ectrochemical and chemical characterization of the systems and electro- or photoactivation of small molecules. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All righ ts reserved.