8E: Nitrogenase - A Reductive Use of Metal Clusters
- Page ID
- 5516
Learning Objectives
- describe the structure, metal cofactors, and ligands of nitrogenase;
- describe the path of electrons from the mobile electron carrier to the P cluster of nitrogenase;
- discuss the role of ATP in the nitrogenase reaction;
- draw and describe the Lowe and Thorneley cycle to show the sequential additions of electrons and protons to nitrogenase;
- describe the properties of the E4 Janus intermediate and its role in backward and forward reactions in the cycle;
- describe the role of H2 in the mechanism of nitrogenase;
- describe the organometallic reactions oxidative addition and reductive elimination and their role in nitrogenase;
- explain the mechanisms and changes in oxidation states for Fe ions and substrates/products for the first and second half of the nitrogenase reaction.