Molybdenum and tungsten compounds with dithiolene ligands inspired by molybdopterin as models for the molybdenum and tungsten cofactors

This thesis deals with the bio-inorganic chemistry of molybdenum and tungsten. Various synthetic methodologies have been developed to prepare the model complexes of molybdenum and tungsten cofactors in oxotransferases. Special emphasis has been given to compounds with pyrane ring as present in the natural molybdopterin structure. The temperature dependent electrochemistry and catalytic properties model complexes have been studied in detail. In addition, this thesis introduces novel synthetic strategies to develop monodithiolene complexes of molybdenum supported by bipyridine, β-diketiminate and NHC ligands. An unusual dithiolene ligand transfer from tungsten to strontium is also described.