Encapsulating [FeFe]-hydrogenase model compounds in peptide hydrogels dramatically modifies stability and photochemistry.

A [FeFe]-hydrogenase model compound (µ-S(CH(2))(3)S)Fe(2)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))(2) [1] has been encapsulated in a low molecular weight (LMW) hydrogelator (Fmoc-Leu-Leu). Linear infrared absorption spectroscopy, gel melting and ultrafast time-resolved infrared spectroscopy experiments reveal significant contrasts in chemical environment and photochemistry between the encapsulated molecules and solution phase systems. Specifically, the gel provides a more rigid hydrogen bonding environment, which restricts isomerisation following photolysis while imparting significant increases in stability relative to a similarly aqueous solution. Since understanding and ultimately controlling the mechanistic role of ligands near Fe centres is likely to be crucial in exploiting artificial hydrogenases, these gels may offer a new option for future materials design involving catalysts.