Invited talk

Expanding the catalytic landscape of flavins: metallic complexes as substrates
Elixabete Rezabal

Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain
Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain

Flavins, derivatives of the tricyclic heterocycle isoalloxazine, play a pivotal role in various biochemical processes owing to their unique reactivity and spectroscopic characteristics. Serving as versatile electron carriers, flavins seamlessly integrate electron transfer with proton transfer, and attain long-lived excited states with significant quantum yields, establishing themselves as potent metal-free organophotocatalysts. Notably, recent investigations have unveiled an unconventional facet of flavin reactivity, showcasing the catalytic activation of transition metallic complexes. This revelation expands the repertoire of substrates with which flavins interact. The comprehensive exploration and analysis of this catalytic activity offer insights into the prospect of fine-tuning reactivity by modulating the molecular scaffold hosting the flavin, providing a means of exerting control over desired outcomes and enriching the potential applications of flavins in diverse scientific and technological arenas. This study is addressed by means of both theoretical and experimental research efforts, fostering a global understanding of flavin reactivity.