Synthesis and structure of linear hexanuclear manganese (II) benzoate cluster

From a reaction system including benzoic acid and Mn(NO3)2 in alkali medium, two hexanuclear manganese benzoate cluster compounds have been synthesized. A compound [Et4N]2[Mn6(PhCOO)14] has been structurally characterized, which contains hexanuclear MnII moieties extending unlimitedly to form one-dimensional linear structure. Carboxyl oxygen atoms are bridged in variety of modes to the Mn atoms, forming an arrangement like a sinusoid for the Mn atoms. The structural parameters of these compounds were compared with the data obtained from EXAFS determination for the Mn cluster in the OEC of PSII, supporting that the coordination sphere of the Mn site in the OEC may contain carboxyl bridges. The possible combination modes between the carboxyl group and the Mn atoms have been suggested. The NMR signals exhibit widening and shift produced by the influence of the paramagnetic MnII sites. The red-shift of the absorption in IR spectrum was observed to be attributed to the coordination of the carboxyl group to the Mn atom, supporting the result of the study on crystal structure.