Chalcogen Atoms as Electron Donors in Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reactions
Leandro D. Mena, María T. Baumgartner
Abstract
Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are crucial for the optimal functioning of a broad scope of chemical and biological processes. In this report, we present an unprecedented type of concerted PCET (cPCET), in which a chalcogen atom acts as the electron donor. The nature of this mechanism is key for understanding the reactivity of different radical-trapping antioxidants having heavy chalcogens (S, Se, or Te) in their structures. Moreover, this chalcogen-assisted cPCET is likely to be occurring in multiple systems of biological interest.
Topics & Concepts
ChalcogenChemistryElectron transferProton-coupled electron transferReactivity (psychology)ProtonElectronPhotochemistryComputational chemistryCrystallographyAlternative medicinePhysicsMedicineQuantum mechanicsPathologyFree Radicals and AntioxidantsPhotochemistry and Electron Transfer StudiesOrganic Chemistry Cycloaddition Reactions