Date of Award
1975
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Schultz, Franklin A.
Abstract
The binuclear , di-mju-oxo-bridged molybdenum(V)-cysteine complex, Na2Mo2O4(cys)2, is frequently cited as a chemical model for nitrogenase enzyme. Coulometric reduction of Na2Mo2O4(cys)2 at the potential of Mo(V)--> Mo(III) reduction (-1. 35 to -1.50 V vs. SCE) in the presence o£ the nitrogenase substrate, acetylene, produces ethylene and ethane. Reduction of C2H2 does not occur in the absence of the molybdenumcysteine complex. The quantities of C2H4 and C2H6 produced are greater than the stoichiometric molybdenum content, hence the reduction is catalytic. Acetylene reduction is accompanied by catalytic hydrogen evolution at the surface of the mercury electrode. The rate of acetylene reduction and product yields vary with pH, applied electrode potential, concentration of Na2Mo2O4(cys)2, and the buffer salt. A mechanism for the catalytic process is proposed, and its relationship to chemical models for nitrogenase enzyme is discussed.
Extent
88 p.
Recommended Citation
LEDWITH, DEBRA ANN, "ELECTROCHEMICALLY CATALYZED REDUCTION OF ACETYLENE BY A MOLYBDENUM - CYSTEINE COMPLEX" (1975). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1970 - 1979. 356.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_2/356
Identifier
FADT13732
Comments
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1975.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1975.