Iron-catalyzed cycloaddition of unactivated dienes is a powerful method for the synthesis of fuels, elastomers, and unique small molecules. This presentation will discuss recent efforts focused on the synthesis of high-performance materials using reduced iron pyridineimine (Fe-PI) and iron pyridinediimine (Fe-PDI) catalysts with different steric and electronic environments. For example, Fe-PI catalyzed [4+4]-cycloaddition of a mixture of conjugated dienes allowed for the preparation of high-energy density jet/diesel fuels from bio-based feedstocks. Similarly, [2+2]-cycloaddition of α,ω-dienes with various Fe-PDI catalysts resulted in the formation of unique cyclic compounds and oligomers with utility as precursors to elastomers and lubricants.  In these studies, the reaction rate and product distribution of the [2+2]-cycloaddition reactions were controlled through the electronic and steric environment of the iron-based catalysts. To elucidate the key factors required for the development of optimized catalysts, kinetic studies of the cycloaddition of dienes with various Fe-PI/PDI catalysts were conducted. The results of these studies as well as fuel/material properties of high-value targets will be presented.

Iron-catalyzed cycloaddition of dienes for the preparation of high energy density fuels, elastomers, and lubricants

ACS Fall 2021

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