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Updated: Oct 31, 2025

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Modeling a Nitrogenase Key Reaction: The N2-Dependent HD Formation by D2/H+ Exchange
Dieter Sellmann1, Anja Fürsattel1
1Institut für Anorganische Chemie der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 1, D-91058 Erlangen (Germany), Fax: (+49) 9131-852-7367.
Abstract:
How do FeMo nitrogenases function on the molecular level? Insights can be expected from elucidating the N2-dependent HD formation from D2 and H+. The stringent N2 dependence proves that N2 reduction and HD formation are inseparably coupled to each other via a specific N2-reduction intermediate. The diazene complex 1 a and its reaction with D2 to give 1 b and HD yield an explanation for this nearly 40-year-old enigma. The results also shed light on the functioning of the FeMo cofactors in nitrogenases.
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