title: Peroxovanadate imidazole complexes as catalysts for olefin epoxidation: density functional study of dynamics, 51V NMR chemical shifts, and mechanism.
abstract: A density functional study of [VO(O(2))(2)(Im)](-) (1, Im = imidazole) is presented, calling special attention to effects of dynamics and solvation on the (51)V chemical shift. According to Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations, rotation of the Im ligand can be fast in the gas phase, but is more hindered in aqueous solution. In the latter, bonding between Im and V is reinforced, and dynamic averaging of GIAO-B3LYP magnetic shieldings affords a gas-to-liquid shift of ca. -100 ppm for delta((51)V). A complete catalytic cycle has been characterized for olefin epoxidation mediated by 1, using H(2)O(2) as oxidant. The rate-determining step is indicated to be initial oxygen atom transfer from 1 to the substrate via a spiro-like transition state. Substituent effects on this barrier are examined, and a significant decrease (by 2-6 kcal/mol) is revealed upon removal of the Im proton or upon complexation with a H-bond acceptor. Implications for the mechanism of the oxidative chemistry of vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases and requirements for prospective biomimetic analogues are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, D-45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. buehl@mpi-muelheim.mpg.de
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bühl
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schurhammer
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Imhof