Synthetic models for active sites of reduced blue copper proteins: minimal geometric change between two oxidation states for fast self-exchange rate constants

We have prepared two thiolato copper redox pairs ligated by image as models for blue copper proteins. The kex value of the coordination number invariant Cu(II/I) couples is 51 times faster than that of the coordination number variant Cu(II/I) couples at −20 °C. We also discuss the electron-transfer process.