ZnIIFeIII and FeIIFeIII Complexes Containing a Novel (μ‐Phenoxo)bis(μ‐diphenylphosphato)‐dimetal( II,III ) Core as Model Complexes for Active Sites of Purple Phosphatases

What is the mechanism of action of the purple phosphatases? It is known that these important enzymes contain bimetallic centers with mixed valences (e.g., ZnIIFeIII or FeIIFeIII) as well as coordinated phosphate. The title compounds are model complexes with two phosphate and one heptadentate (6 N, 1 O) bridging ligands. The model complexes and the enzyme compare quite favorably in several respects. • (left) = Fe; • (right) = Zn;