Oxalate Oxidase Model Studies – Substrate Reactivity

The synthesis and structure of [MnLCl]0.5H2O (1·0.5H2O, HL = 1-benzyl-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is reported. Complex 1 exists as a coordination polymer in the solid state, and the MnII center is bonded to three amine nitrogen atoms, one carboxylate oxygen atom, a chlorido ligand, and an adjacent carboxylate group in a chelating fashion to afford a seven-coordinate center. The dissolution of 1 in acetonitrile containing excess oxalate (ox) ions results in a monomeric species. When mixtures of 1 and oxalate ions are exposed to oxygen under ambient conditions, a dark pink EPR-silent species is generated. The pink species is believed to be [MnIII(ox)2]–, which results from the displacement of the ligand L– by an oxalate ion. The decomposition of this species ultimately results in the formation of 1 equiv. of CO2 per oxalate ion consumed, a HCO3– ion, and a MnII species. Further reaction of the resulting MnII species with excess oxalate in the presence of oxygen leads to additional oxalate degradation.