The IR absorptions of several first-shell, carboxylate ligands of the water oxidizing complex (WOC) have been experimentally shown to be unaffected by oxidation state changes in the WOC during its catalytic cycle. Several model clusters that mimic the Mn4O5Ca Core of the WOC in the S-1, state, With electronic configurations that correspond to both the so-called "high" and "low" oxidation paradigms, were investigated. Deprotonation at W2, W1, or O3 sites was found to strongly reduce carboxylate ligand frequency shifts on oxidation of the metal duster. The frequency shifts were smallest in neutrally charged clusters where the initial mean Mn oxidation state was +3, with W2 as an hydroxide and O5 a water. Deprotonation also: reduced and balanced the oxidation energy of all clusters in successive oxidations.