One such factor is neighboring group participation. This is illustrated by electron transfer from dialkyl sulfides. New reactions of these species resulting in C-C bond formation are being developed for synthetic purposes. Oxidation can occur at the metal center or ligand. This coupling of metal redox chemistry and ligand geometry-changes is of interest.
Selenium is an essential mineral whose biological role is unknown.
Five mammalian and several bacterial enzymes containing selenium have been identified as well as selenium containing tRNAs. The best known enzyme is glutathione peroxidase. We have been studying organoselenium chemistry as models for enzymatic reactions. In addition we have been developing 77 Se NMR spectroscopy as a physical probe of structure in biomolecules. 3 n- , has been found to be formed enzymatically and serve as a selenium donor in biochemical formation of selenoproteins and seleno tRNAs.