Iron Heme Enzyme-Catalyzed Cyclopropanations with Diazirines as Carbene Precursors: Computational Explorations of Diazirine Activation and Cyclopropanation Mechanism

J Am Chem Soc. 2024 Feb 7;146(5):2959-2966. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c06030. Epub 2024 Jan 25.

Abstract

The mechanism of cyclopropanations with diazirines as air-stable and user-friendly alternatives to commonly employed diazo compounds within iron heme enzyme-catalyzed carbene transfer reactions has been studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations of model systems, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the iron carbene and the cyclopropanation transition state in the enzyme active site. The reaction is initiated by a direct diazirine-diazo isomerization occurring in the active site of the enzyme. In contrast, an isomerization mechanism proceeding via the formation of a free carbene intermediate in lieu of a direct, one-step isomerization process was observed for model systems. Subsequent reaction with benzyl acrylate takes place through stepwise C-C bond formation via a diradical intermediate, delivering the cyclopropane product. The origin of the observed diastereo- and enantioselectivity in the enzyme was investigated through MD simulations, which indicate a preferred formation of the cis-cyclopropane by steric control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry
  • Diazomethane*
  • Heme* / chemistry
  • Iron
  • Methane / analogs & derivatives*
  • Models, Molecular

Substances

  • Heme
  • Diazomethane
  • carbene
  • Iron
  • cyclopropane
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Methane