Five-coordinate M(II)-semiquinonate (M = Fe, Mn, Co) complexes: reactivity models of the catechol dioxygenases.

A series of five-coordinate M(II)-semiquinonate (M = Fe, Mn, Co) complexes were synthesized and characterized, including the first example of a mononuclear Fe(II)-semiquinonate. Intermediates were observed in the reactions of M(II)-phenSQ (M = Fe, Co) with O2. Evidence for the relevance of these intermediates to the intradiol catechol dioxygenases was obtained by characterization of the oxidized semiquinone-derived product, muconic anhydride, resulting from the reaction of [PhTt(tBu)]Co(II)(3,5-DBSQ) with O2.