Photodynamics of a nickel hydrocorphinoid model of F430

A nickel hydrocorphinoid derivative, F/sub 430/, catalyzes the final step in the complex series of reactions in the production of methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In this paper, the transient Raman studies of the photodynamics of four- and six-coordinate complexes of nickel hydrocorphinoid related to F/sub 430/ are reported. Results of previously reported studies of the transient photoligation behavior of nickel porphyrins are coupled with data from the Raman studies. Photochemical results for the nickel hydrocorphinoids were found to be quite different from that of nickel porphyrin analogues. These results led to a suggestion that nickel hydrocorphinoids may form a functionally distinct class of prosthetic groups with dynamic and electronic characteristics. 28 references, 5 figures, 1 table.