Bioinspired bi- or trinuclear FeMoS model complexes for the partial region of FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase

Sulfur-rich FeMo complexes of low nuclearity (Fe 2 Mo, FeMo) can be considered as simple truncated models of the cofactor of Mo‑nitrogenase. They are suitable to address questions concerning the role of the still unclear FeMo cooperativity in the biological N 2 -reduction process performed by this metallo-enzyme. This review affords a state of the art of the chemistry of di- and tri-heterometallic FeMoS complexes. Although well-defined synthetic procedures have been evidenced for the design of such compounds, very few investigations on their activity towards N 2 and related substrates have been reported. This shows the interest to develop new light bio-inspired FeMoS molecules and to study their reactivity, as well as their redox behaviours, to help to better understand the biological N 2 -fixation. This approach involving di- and tri- heterometallic FeMoS species is a promising field of investigation. • Sulfur-rich FeMo-complexes of low nuclearity (Fe 2 Mo, FeMo) can be simple truncated models of the cofactor of FeMo-nitrogenase • The chemistry of FeMo compounds will lead to novel insights into understanding the functioning of the nitrogenase cofactor • The activity of FeMo derivatives towards N 2 and related substrates remains to be developed • Bioinspired {FeMo] complexes offer underdeveloped perspectives for the activation of small molecules