New Synthetic Models of Cytochrome P450: How Different Are They from the Natural Species?

Soluble and matrix-bound P450 enzyme models have been synthesized carrying a SO3- ligand coordinating to iron. These complexes display features very similar to cofactors of enzymes such as P450cam with respect to electrochemistry and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Further they catalyze epoxidation reactions with turnover numbers up to 1800. DFT calculations revealed that the coordination of SO3- to Fe(III) produces an active species that displays allylic hydroxylation and epoxidation reactivity patterns that are nearly indistinguishable from those calculated for the natural active species of the enzyme cytochrome P450.