Inspired by the versatile oxidation chemistry catalyzed by nonheme iron enzymes, we have been investigating hydrocarbon oxidations by H2O2 that are catalyzed by nonheme iron complexes of neutral tetradentate ligands. Highly stereoselective hydroxylation of cis--1,2-dimethylcyclohexane and cis-dihydroxylation of olefins can be observed with the use of nonheme iron(II) complexes of with H2O2 as oxidant. Insights into the catalytic mechanism have been obtained from a combination of product distribution studies, 18O labeling experiments, and kinetic analysis together with DFT calculations. These results implicate an oxoiron(V) oxidant that we are  attempting to identify and characterize. These efforts will be described.

Bio-inspired hydrocarbon oxidations by nonheme iron catalysts

245th National Meeting (2013)

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