Tags: Inorganic Seminar


Design Principles for Metalloprotein Chemistry

Metalloproteins catalyze some of Nature’s most amazing and difficult chemical transformations. One such transformation, of interest to our laboratory, is the use of a high valent Fe-based oxidant to facilitate the functionalization of a traditionally inert C–H bond. Since this chemistry is vital to a variety of biochemical pathways, metalloproteins are recognized for their potential to build natural products with medical, environmental, and…


Inorganic Chemistry of F-Elements in Oxo-Systems: from Normal to Extreme Conditions

Actinide elements show a great diversity in their chemistry due to the complex structure of 5f electron shells and delocalization of 5f-electrons within the early actinide family. One of the most remarkable properties of the early actinides is a multi-valence accompanied by a great coordination diversity. For example, uranium demonstrates oxidation states from +2 to +6 in the solid state, where +4 and +6 are the most common and stable. In this…


A Nonoxidative Approach to Methane Functionalization: Efforts Towards Realizing the Methanol Economy

Methane, CH4, is considered a pillar of the petrochemical industry. It is a major component of fossil fuels, a byproduct of waste decomposition, and a potent greenhouse gas. The potential of methane as a fuel source is greatly limited by the means in which this flammable gas may be transported. In this regard, functionalization of CH4 to yield products that are liquids under ambient conditions holds great promise. We have made efforts towards…


Mechanistic Investigation Towards Catalytic NO2– Reduction by Nonheme Fe(II)-Nitro Complexes

Nitrite (NO2–) reduction to gaseous nitric oxide (NO) is a 2H+/1e– transfer process that can be catalyzed by heme enzyme nitrite reductase (NiR). It is critical in maintaining the balance of the global nitrogen cycle because it is the first committed step in the denitrification process. In addition, despite the lack of an NiR, the high artery and veinous NO2– concentration (~ 500 nM) in mammals is proposed to generate NO as a gaseous vasodilator…


Defining the Roles of Metals in Mediating Structural Changes and Protein-Protein Interactions

Metals are ubiquitous in nature. In fact, more than 30% of all proteins require a metal for proper folding or function. In this talk, I will focus on how my lab uses a range of spectroscopic characterization tools to define the role of metals on protein structure and formation of dynamic protein-protein complexes. In the first part of the talk, I will discuss the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) protein, which binds heme and…


Unzipping the ZIPs: Transport Mechanism and Substrate Specificity of ZIP Metal Transporters

Living organisms have evolved sophisticated systems to exploit unique properties of d-block metals for catalysis, cell signaling, and gene regulation. A challenge is how to efficiently and specifically uptake, excrete, and distribute/redistribute these low-abundance trace elements at the systemic and cellular levels. Transition metal transporters are central players in these processes by controlling the flux of metals across cell and organelle…


Direct Detection of Coupled Proton and Electron Transfers in Human Manganese Superoxide Dismutase

Human manganese superoxide dismutase is a critical oxidoreductase found in the mitochondrial matrix. Concerted proton and electron transfers are used by the enzyme to rid the mitochondria of O2•−. The mechanisms of concerted transfer enzymes are typically unknown due to the difficulties in detecting the protonation states of specific residues and solvent molecules at particular redox states. Here, neutron diffraction of two redox-controlled…


Cooperative Activation of O2 by Heteronuclear Assemblies

Dioxgyen (O2) activation and reduction are not only vital for aerobic life, but also essential to industrial applications such as sustainable fuel cells. Dioxgyen is clean, abundant, and a powerful four-electron oxidant, but also kinetically inert and requires activation. In Nature, the activation of O2 is often facilitated by transition metal centers at metalloenzyme active sites. For example, during the cellular respiration reaction,…


Borafluorenes, Borepins, and High Order Boraacenes: From Fundamental Redox Chemistry to Thermochromic Materials

            The incorporation of boron into conjugated organic molecules has emerged as a useful strategy to elicit interesting optical and electronic properties which cannot be obtained with the analogous all-carbon systems. Thus, the synthesis of organoboron heterocycles has been a topic of intense investigation across main-group, organic, and inorganic chemistry, as well as materials…


Biochemically Responsive MRI Contrast Agents

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic method used to image organs and soft tissue in the body. The instrument relies on the use of magnets and radiofrequency radiation to examine the proton nuclei of water within tissue and organs. Through use of contrast agents, the images acquired can have improved detail which is critical for diagnoses of tumors, inflammation, and other abnormalities. These agents utilize paramagnetic metals to induce…
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