Comments on Inorganic Chemistry

doi: 10.1080/02603599308035832pmid: N/A

Abstract This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for this issue.

Won, Hoshik; Olson, Karl D.; Summers, Michael F.; Wolfe, Ralph S.

doi: 10.1080/02603599308035833pmid: N/A

Abstract Coenzyme F430 is a Ni(II)-containing corphinoid which was first isolated from the cells of methanogenic archaebacteria in 1978. The cofactor F430 is responsible for the conversion of CO2 into CH4 in the methanogenic process. Starting from the first structural studies of coenzyme F430 with application of NMR and biosynthetic methods, many papers have been published to discuss the structural features as well as the biocatalytic role of F430. However, a precise understanding of the mechanism of F430-dependent catalysis is lacking. With a focus on what is known about the F430-dependent biocatalysis in methanogens, the results of physical and chemical studies of F430 are presented. In addition. functions of novel enzymes involved in the methanogenic process are discussed.

Delfs, C. D.; Gatteschi, D.; Pardi, L.

doi: 10.1080/02603599308035834pmid: N/A

Abstract Some key concepts which are needed in order to investigate the magnetic properties of high nuclearity spin clusters, HNSC, are reviewed. Particular mention is made of spin frustration, superparamagnetism, and of the problems associated with the calculation of the spin levels and of the magnetic susceptibility of the clusters. Spin frustration is described with a simple example of a trinuclear iron(III) complex. Superparamagnetism is introduced and an experimental case when it can be observed in an HNSC is discussed. An Irreducible Tensor Operator approach to the calculation of the spin levels and of the magnetic susceptibility is advocated and discussed in the form of a sample calculation on hexanuclear iron(III) clusters.

Chan, Albert S. C.

doi: 10.1080/02603599308035835pmid: N/A

Abstract The hydroformylation of formaldehyde is an important reaction in the pursuit of using synthesis gas as a raw material for the production of large volume chemicals. This article describes the development of an efficient catalyst system for the hydroformylation of formaldehyde based on the understanding of a novel, anionic reaction mechanism. The catalytic cycle was elucidated through in situ spectroscopic studies and the synthesis and characterization of model intermediates. By using rhodium and iridium complexes as model intermediates, the complete illustration of the reaction mechanism was accomplished.