Nitrite reduction mediated by the complex RuIII(EDTA)

Abstract

Reported is the first example of a ruthenium(III)-complex, Ru^III(EDTA) (EDTA⁴⁻ = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), that mediates O-atom transfer from nitrite to the biological thiols cysteine and glutathione, leading to the formation of [Ru^III(EDTA)(NO⁺)]⁰. However, at pH below 5.0, the coordinated nitrite ion in the [Ru^III(EDTA)(NO₂)]²⁻ complex undergoes proton-assisted decomposition, resulting in the formation of a [Ru^III(EDTA)(NO⁺)]⁰ species.