PNNL

Abstract

Photodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy was used to investigate the electronic structure of the doubly charged complexes [MIVO(mnt)2]2- (M=Mo, W;mnt=1,2 dicyanoethenedithiolato). These dianions are stable in the gas phase and are minimal models for the active sites of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase family of molybdenum enzymes and of related tungsten enzymes. Adiabatic and vertical electron binding energies for both species were measured, providing detailed information about molecular orbital energy levels of the parent dianions as well as the ground adn excited states of the product anions [MvO(mnt)2]. Density functional theory calculations were used to assist assignment of the detachment features.