Concerto catalysis-harmonising [NiFe]hydrogenase and NiRu model catalysts

This communication reports the successful merging of the chemical properties of a natural [NiFe]hydrogenase (Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F) and our previously reported [NiRu] hydrogenase-mimic. The catalytic activity of both the natural enzyme and the mimic is almost identical, with the exception of working pH ranges, and this allows us to use them simultaneously in the same reaction flask. In such a manner, isotope exchange between D2 and H2O could be conducted over an extended pH range (about 2-10) in one pot under mild conditions at ambient temperature and pressure.