Recent progress on exploring µ-oxo bridged binuclear porphyrinoid complexes in catalysis and material science

Markovnikov-Selective Cobalt-Catalyzed Wacker-Type Oxidation of Styrenes into Ketones under Ambient Conditions Enabled by Hydrogen Bonding

The replacement of palladium catalysts for Wacker-type oxidation of olefins into ketones by first-row transition metals is a relevant approach for searching more sustainable protocols. Besides highly sophisticated iron catalysts, all the other first-row transition metal complexes have only led to poor activities and selectivities. Herein, we show that the cobalt-tetraphenylporphyrin complex is a competent catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of styrenes into ketones with silanes as the hydrogen sources. Remarkably, under room temperature and air atmosphere, the reactions were exceedingly fast (up to 10 minutes) with a low catalyst loading (1 mol %) while keeping an excellent chemo- and Markovnikov-selectivity (up to 99 % of ketone). Unprecedently high TOF (864 h-1 ) and TON (5,800) were reached for the oxidation of aromatic olefins under these benign conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest a reaction mechanism similar to the Mukaiyama-type hydration of olefins with a change in the last fundamental step, which controls the chemoselectivity, thanks to a unique hydrogen bonding network between the ethanol solvent and the cobalt peroxo intermediate.

Tying a knot between crown ethers and porphyrins

Porphyrins and crown ether hybrids have emerged as a promising class of molecules composed of elements of a tetrapyrrole macrocycle and an oligo(ethylene glycol) segment. These hybrid systems constitute a broad group of compounds, including crowned porphyrins, crownphyrins, and calixpyrrole-crown ether systems forming Pacman complexes with transition metals. Their unique nature accustoms them as excellent ligands and hosts capable of binding guest molecules/ions, but also to undergo unusual transformations, such as metal-induced expansion/contraction. Depending on the design of the particular hybrid, they present unique features involving intriguing redox chemistry, interesting optical properties, and reactivity towards transition metals. In this perspective article, the overview of both the early designs of porphyrin-crown ether hybrids, as well as the most recent advances in the synthesis and characterisation of this remarkable group of macrocyclic systems, are addressed. The discussion covers the strategies employed in synthesising these systems, including cyclisation reactions, self-assembly, and their remarkable reactivity. The potential applications of porphyrin-crown ether hybrids are also highlighted. Moreover, the discussion identifies the challenges associated with synthesising and characterising hybrids, outlining the possible future directions.

A Nuclearity-Dependent Enantiodivergent Epoxide Opening via Enthalpy-Controlled Mononuclear and Entropy-Controlled Dinuclear (Salen)Titanium Catalysis

A nuclearity-dependent enantiodivergent epoxide opening reaction has been developed, in which both antipodes of chiral alcohol products are selectively accessed by mononuclear (salen)TiIII complex and its self-assembled oxygen-bridged dinuclear counterparts within the same stereogenic ligand scaffold. Kinetic studies based on the Eyring equation revealed an enthalpy-controlled enantio-differentiation mode in mononuclear catalysis, whereas an entropy-controlled one in dinuclear catalysis. DFT calculations outline the origin of the enantiocontrol of the mononuclear catalysis and indicate the actual catalyst species in the dinuclear catalytic system. The mechanistic insights may shed a light on a strategy for stereoswichable asymmetric catalysis utilizing nuclearity-distinct transition-metal complexes.

Distinct chemical factors in hydrolytic reactions catalyzed by metalloenzymes and metal complexes

The selective hydrolysis of the extremely stable phosphoester, peptide and ester bonds of molecules by bio-inspired metal-based catalysts (metallohydrolases) is required in a wide range of biological, biotechnological and industrial applications. Despite the impressive advances made in the field, the ultimate goal of designing efficient enzyme mimics for these reactions is still elusive. Its realization will require a deeper understanding of the diverse chemical factors that influence the activities of both natural and synthetic catalysts. They include catalyst-substrate complexation, non-covalent interactions and the electronic nature of the metal ion, ligand environment and nucleophile. Based on our computational studies, their roles are discussed for several mono- and binuclear metallohydrolases and their synthetic analogues. Hydrolysis by natural metallohydrolases is found to be promoted by a ligand environment with low basicity, a metal bound water and a heterobinuclear metal center (in binuclear enzymes). Additionally, peptide and phosphoester hydrolysis is dominated by two competing effects, i.e. nucleophilicity and Lewis acid activation, respectively. In synthetic analogues, hydrolysis is facilitated by the inclusion of a second metal center, hydrophobic effects, a biological metal (Zn, Cu and Co) and a terminal hydroxyl nucleophile. Due to the absence of the protein environment, hydrolysis by these small molecules is exclusively influenced by nucleophile activation. The results gleaned from these studies will enhance the understanding of fundamental principles of multiple hydrolytic reactions. They will also advance the development of computational methods as a predictive tool to design more efficient catalysts for hydrolysis, Diels-Alder reaction, Michael addition, epoxide opening and aldol condensation.

Molecular and Electronic Structures of Macrocyclic Compounds Formed at Template Synthesis in the M(II)-Thiocarbohydrazide-Diacetyl Triple Systems: A Quantum-Chemical Analysis by DFT Methods

Using density functional theory (DFT) B3PW91/TZVP, M06/TZVP, and OPBE/TZVP chemistry models and the Gaussian09 program, a quantum-chemical calculation of geometric and thermodynamic parameters of Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) macrotetracyclic chelates, with (NNNN)-coordination of ligand donor centers arising during template synthesis between the indicated ions of 3d elements, thiocarbohydrazide H₂N-HN-C(=S)-NH-NH₂ and diacetyl Me-C(=O)-C(=O)-Me, in gelatin-immobilized matrix implants was performed. The key bond lengths and bond angles in these coordination compounds are provided, and it is noted that in all these complexes the MN₄ chelate sites, the grouping of N₄ atoms bonded to the M atom, and the five-membered and six-membered metal chelate rings are practically coplanar. NBO analysis of these compounds was carried out, on the basis of which it was shown that all these complexes, in full accordance with theoretical expectations, are low-spin complexes. The standard thermodynamic characteristics of the template reactions for the formation of the above complexes are also presented. Good agreement between the data obtained using the above DFT levels is noted.

Photochemical generation and reactivity of a new phthalocyanine-manganese-oxo intermediate

The first phthalocyanine-manganese-oxo intermediate was successfully generated by visible-light photolysis of chlorate or nitrite manganese(III) precursors, and its reactivity towards organic substrates was kinetically probed and compared with other related porphyrin-metal-oxo intermediates.

Pyrrolylmethylene Appended Corrorin: Peripheral Coordination and Transformation to Pyridyl Incorporated Hemiporphycene Analogue

A pyrrolylmethylene appended corrorin 1 was synthesized and coordinated with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ to afford 1-Rh with unique Rh^I-η²-CC bonding in addition to the coordination of the dipyrrin-like unit and a carbonyl ligand. Further oxidation of 1 afforded 2, exhibiting a hydrocorrorinone core, and it can be further transformed into pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine incorporated hemiporphycene analogue 3 upon treatment with HOAc. The side chain modifies the reactivity of corrorin and effectively tunes the NIR absorption of the resulting porphyrinoids.

Computational study of ground-state properties of μ2 -bridged group 14 porphyrinic sandwich complexes

The structural properties of μ₂ -bridged porphyrinic double-decker complexes are investigated and the influence of various ligands, metals, substituents, and bridging atoms on the dominant structural motif is elucidated. A variety of quantum chemical methods including semiempirical (SQM) methods and density functional theory (DFT) is assessed for the calculation of ecliptic and staggered conformational energies. Local coupled cluster (DLPNO-CCSD(T1)) data are generated for reference. The r² SCAN-3c composite scheme as well as the B2PLYP-D4/def2-QZVPP approach are identified as reliable methods. Energy decomposition analyses (EDA) and localized molecular orbital analyses (LMO) are used to investigate the bonding situation and the nature of the inter-ligand interaction energy underlining the crucial role of attractive London dispersion interactions. Targeted modification of the bridging atom, e.g., by replacing O^2- by S^2- is shown to drastically change the major structural features of the investigated complexes. Further, the influence of different substituents of varying size at the phthalocyanine ligand regarding the dominant conformation is described.

μ-Oxo-bis[(octacosafluoro-meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato)iron(iii)] - synthesis, crystal structure, and catalytic activity in oxidation reactions

We describe the synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of μ-oxo-bis[(octacosafluoro-meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato)iron(iii)] [(FeTPPF₂₈)₂O]. This novel iron complex is an efficient catalyst for oxidative biaryl coupling reactions of diarylamines and carbazoles. The asymmetric oxidative coupling in the presence of an axially chiral biaryl phosphoric acid as co-catalyst provides the 2,2'-bis(arylamino)-1,1'-biaryl in 96% ee. The Wacker-type oxidation of alkenes to the corresponding ketones with (FeTPPF₂₈)₂O as catalyst in the presence of phenylsilane proceeds at room temperature with air as the terminal oxidant. For internal and aliphatic alkenes increased ketone/alcohol product ratios were obtained.

Isolating Fe-O2 Intermediates in Dioxygen Activation by Iron Porphyrin Complexes

Dioxygen (O₂) is an environmentally benign and abundant oxidant whose utilization is of great interest in the design of bioinspired synthetic catalytic oxidation systems to reduce energy consumption. However, it is unfortunate that utilization of O₂ is a significant challenge because of the thermodynamic stability of O₂ in its triplet ground state. Nevertheless, nature is able to overcome the spin state barrier using enzymes, which contain transition metals with unpaired d-electrons facilitating the activation of O₂ by metal coordination. This inspires bioinorganic chemists to synthesize biomimetic small-molecule iron porphyrin complexes to carry out the O₂ activation, wherein Fe-O₂ species have been implicated as the key reactive intermediates. In recent years, a number of Fe-O₂ intermediates have been synthesized by activating O₂ at iron centers supported on porphyrin ligands. In this review, we focus on a few examples of these advances with emphasis in each case on the particular design of iron porphyrin complexes and particular reaction environments to stabilize and isolate metal-O₂ intermediates in dioxygen activation, which will provide clues to elucidate structures of reactive intermediates and mechanistic insights in biological processes.

DFT Study of the Molecular and Electronic Structure of Metal-Free Tetrabenzoporphyrin and Its Metal Complexes with Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In

The electronic and molecular structures of metal-free tetrabenzoporphyrin (H₂TBP) and its complexes with zinc, cadmium, aluminum, gallium and indium were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations with a def2-TZVP basis set. A geometrical structure of ZnTBP and CdTBP was found to possess D_4h symmetry; AlClTBP, GaClTBP and InClTBP were non-planar complexes with C_4v symmetry. The molecular structure of H₂TBP belonged to the point symmetry group of D_2h. According to the results of the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, the M-N bonds had a substantial ionic character in the cases of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes, with a noticeably increased covalent contribution for Al(III), Ga(III) and In(III) complexes with an axial –Cl ligand. The lowest excited states were computed with the use of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The model electronic absorption spectra indicated a weak influence of the nature of the metal on the Q-band position.

A new hexanuclear Fe(III) nanocluster: Synthesis, structure, magnetic properties, and efficient activity as a precatalyst in water oxidation

The oxo-bridged hexanuclear iron cluster formulated, [Fe6III(µ4-O)2(edteH)2(piv)4(SCN)4]∙2MeCN∙2H2O (1) (where, edteH = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine; piv = pivalic acid) is synthesized by the reaction of FeCl2∙4H2O with edteH4 and piv in the presence...

Photophysical Behaviors of Shape-persistent Zinc Porphyrin Organic Cage

A pair chiral metallic porphyrin cages, (R)/(S)-PTC-1(Zn), have been afforded by pure chiral cyclohexanediamine reacting with zinc 5,15-di[3',5'-diformyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)]porphyrin. Both their chiral tubular structures have been demonstrated with single crystal diffraction...

Controlled assembly of a bicyclic porphyrinoid and its 3-dimensional boron difluoride arrays

A fully conjugated cryptand-like bicyclic porphyrinoid ligand 4, incorporating three carbazole linkages and four dipyrrin moieties, was prepared via the acid-catalysed condensation of an extended 2,2′-bipyrrole analogue containing a central carbazole moiety and 3,4-diethyl-2,5-diformylpyrrole in 79% isolated yield. This new cryptand-like system acts as an effective ligand and allows for complexation of BF₂ (boron difluoride) subunits. Three BODIPY arrays, containing two, three, and four BF₂ subunits, namely 4·2BF₂, 4·3BF₂ and 4·4BF₂, could thus be isolated from the reaction of 4 with BF₃·Et₂O in the presence of triethylamine at 110 °C, albeit in relatively low yield. As prepared, bicycle 4 is characterized by a rigid C₂ symmetric structure as inferred from VT NMR spectroscopic analyses. In contrast, the three BODIPY-like arrays produced as the result of BF₂ complexation are conformationally flexible and unsymmetric in nature as deduced from similar analyses. All four products, namely 4, 4·2BF₂, 4·3BF₂ and 4·4BF₂, were characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Tetramer 4·4BF₂ gives rise to a higher extinction coefficient (by 2.5 times) relative to the bis- and tris-BODIPY arrays 4·2BF₂ and 4·3BF₂. This was taken as evidence for stronger excitonic coupling in the case of 4·4BF₂. All three BODIPY-like arrays proved nearly non-fluorescent, as expected given their conformationally mobile nature. The efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also determined for the new BODIPY arrays of this study.

A cryptand-like bicyclic porphyrinoid was obtained in preference over the monocyclic porphyrinoid by controlling the reaction stoichiometry and condensation conditions. The cryptand-like species supports formation of multiple 3D BODIPY-like arrays.

Mechanistic Studies on the Hexadecafluorophthalocyanine-Iron-Catalyzed Wacker-Type Oxidation of Olefins to Ketones*

The hexadecafluorophthalocyanine-iron complex FePcF₁₆ was recently shown to convert olefins into ketones in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of triethylsilane in ethanol at room temperature under an oxygen atmosphere. Herein, we describe an extensive mechanistic investigation for the conversion of 2-vinylnaphthalene into 2-acetylnaphthalene as model reaction. A variety of studies including deuterium- and ¹⁸ O₂ -labeling experiments, ESI-MS, and ⁵⁷ Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy were performed to identify the intermediates involved in the catalytic cycle of the oxidation process. Finally, a detailed and well-supported reaction mechanism for the FePcF₁₆ -catalyzed Wacker-type oxidation is proposed.

Application of Lever's EL Parameter Scale toward Fe(II)/Fe(III) versus Pc(2-)/Pc(1-) Oxidation Process Crossover Point in Axially Coordinated Iron(II) Phthalocyanine Complexes

The electronic structures and, particularly, the nature of the HOMO in a series of PcFeL₂, PcFeL'L″, and [PcFeX₂]^2- complexes (Pc = phthalocyaninato(2-) ligand; L = NH₃, n-BuNH₂, imidazole (Im), pyridine (Py), PMe₃, PBu₃, t-BuNC, P(OBu)₃, and DMSO; L' = CO; L″ = NH₃ or n-BuNH₂; X = NCO^-, NCS^-, CN^-, imidazolate (Im^-), or 1,2,4-triazolate(Tz^-)) were probed by electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and chemical oxidation as well as theoretical (density functional theory, DFT) studies. In general, energies of the metal-centered occupied orbitals in various six-coordinate iron phthalocyanine complexes correlate well with Lever Electrochemical Parameter E_L and intercross the phthalocyanine-centered a_1u orbital in several compounds with moderate-to-strong π-accepting axial ligands. In these cases, an oxidation of the phthalocyanine macrocycle (Pc(2-)/Pc(1-)) rather than the central metal ion (Fe(II)/Fe(III)) was theoretically predicted and experimentally confirmed.

Progress in the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds Catalyzed by Lipases

Heterocyclic compounds are representative of a larger class of organic compounds, and worthy of attention for many reasons, chief of which is the participation of heterocyclic scaffolds in the skeleton structure of many drugs. Lipases are enzymes with catalytic versatility, and play a key role in catalyzing the reaction of carbon–carbon bond formation, allowing the production of different compounds. This article reviewed the lipase-catalyzed aldol reaction, Knoevenagel reaction, Michael reaction, Mannich reaction, etc., in the synthesis of several classes of heterocyclic compounds with important physiological and pharmacological activities, and also prospected the research focus in lipase-catalyzed chemistry transformations in the future.

Minding our P-block and Q-bands: paving inroads into main group corrole research to help instil broader potential

Main group chemistry is often considered less "dynamic" than transition metal (TM) chemistry because of predictable VSEPR-based central atom geometries, relatively slower redox switching and lack of electronic d-d transitions. However, we delineate what has been made possible with main group chemistry to give it its proper due and up-to-date treatment. The huge untapped potential regarding photophysical properties and functioning hereby spurred us to review a range of corrole reports addressing primarily photophysical trends, synthetic aspects, and important guidelines regarding substitution and inorganic principles. We also look at Ag and Au systems and also consider substitutions such as CF3, halogens, additives and also counterions. Throughout, as well as at the end of this review, we suggest various future directions; further future industrial catalytic and health science research is encouraged.

Reductive Dimerization of Macrocycles Activated by BBr3

A macrocyclic motif composed of carbazole and pyridine subunits linked by a carbonyl bridge (C=O) forms a skeleton with a peripheral reactivity that leads to a pinacol-like coupling activated by BBr₃, eventually entrapping a substantially elongated C–C bond. Slightly modified conditions lead to the efficient transformation of the C=O unit to a CH₂ linker that, after exposure to air, gives a dimeric molecule with multiple bonds between two macrocyclic units, as documented in spectroscopy and X-ray analysis.

Metallophthalocyanines as Catalysts in Aerobic Oxidation

The first remarkable property associated to metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) was their chemical “inertness”, which made and make them very attractive as stable and durable industrial dyes. Nevertheless, their rich redox chemistry was also explored in the last decades, making available a solid and detailed knowledge background for further studies on the suitability of MPcs as redox catalysts. An overlook of MPcs and their catalytic activity with dioxygen as oxidants will be discussed here with a special emphasis on the last decade. The mini-review begins with a short introduction to phthalocyanines, from their structure to their main features, going then through the redox chemistry of metallophthalocyanines and their catalytic activity in aerobic oxidation reactions. The most significant systems described in the literature comprise the oxidation of organosulfur compounds such as thiols and thiophenes, the functionalization of alkyl arenes, alcohols, olefins, among other substrates.

Targeted synthesis of a CrIII–O–VV core oxo-bridged complex: spectroscopic, magnetic and electrical properties

The results of vibrational, electronic, structural, thermal, magnetic and impedance spectroscopy studies are presented in the first reported compound with a Cr^III–O–V^V bridge.

DFT Study of Molecular and Electronic Structure of Y, La and Lu Complexes with Porphyrazine and Tetrakis(1,2,5-thiadiazole)porphyrazine

Abstract

Electronic and geometric structures of Y, La and Lu complexes with porphyrazine (Pz) and tetrakis(1,2,5-thiadiazole)porphyrazine (TTDPz) were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and compared. The nature of the bonds between metal atoms and nitrogen atoms has been described using the analysis of the electron density distribution in the frame of Bader’s quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM). Simulation and interpretation of electronic spectra were performed with use of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Description of calculated IR spectra was carried out based on the analysis of the distribution of the potential energy of normal vibrations by natural vibrational coordinates.

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Visible light generation of high-valent metal-oxo intermediates and mechanistic insights into catalytic oxidations

High-valent metal-oxo complexes play central roles as active oxygen atom transfer (OAT) agents in many enzymatic and synthetic oxidation catalysis. This review focuses on our recent advances in application of photochemical approaches to probe the oxidizing metal-oxo species with different metals and macrocyclic ligands. Under visible light irradiation, a variety of important metal-oxo species including iron-oxo porphyrins, manganese-oxo porphyrin/corroles, ruthenium-oxo porphyrins, and chromium-oxo salens have been successfully generated. Kinetical studies in real time have provided mechanistic insights as to the reactivity and reaction pathways of the metal-oxo intermediates in their oxidation reactions. In photo-induced ligand cleavage reactions, metals in n⁺ oxidation state with the oxygen-containing ligands bromate, chlorate, or nitrites were photolyzed. Homolytic cleavage of the O-X bond in the ligand gives (n + 1)⁺ oxidation state metal-oxo species, and heterolytic cleavage gives (n + 2)⁺ oxidation state metal-oxo species. In photo-disproportionation reactions, reactive Mⁿ⁺¹-oxo species can be formed by photolysis of μ-oxo dimeric Mⁿ⁺ complexes with the concomitant formation of M^n-1 products. Importantly, the oxidation of M^n-1 products by molecular oxygen (O₂) to regenerate the μ-oxo dimeric Mⁿ⁺ complexes in photo-disproportionation reactions represents an attractive and green catalytic cycle for the development of photocatalytic aerobic oxidations.

Azides and Porphyrinoids: Synthetic Approaches and Applications. Part 2-Azides, Phthalocyanines, Subphthalocyanines and Porphyrazines

The reaction between organic azides and alkyne derivatives via the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is an efficient strategy to combine phthalocyanines and analogues with different materials. As examples of such materials, it can be considered the following ones: graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots. This approach is also being relevant to conjugate phthalocyanines with carbohydrates and to obtain new sophisticated molecules; in such way, new systems with significant potential applications become available. This review highlights recent developments on the synthesis of phthalocyanine, subphthalocyanine, and porphyrazine derivatives where CuAAC reactions are the key synthetic step.

Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative C-C Cross-Coupling Reaction of Tertiary Anilines with Hydroxyarenes by Using Air as Sole Oxidant

A mild procedure for the oxidative C-C cross-coupling of tertiary anilines with phenols is described which provides the products generally in high yields and with excellent selectivity. The reaction is catalyzed by the hexadecafluorinated iron-phthalocyanine complex FePcF16 in the presence of substoichiometric amounts of methanesulfonic acid and ambient air as sole oxidant.

(Hydr)oxo-bridged heme complexes: From structure to reactivity

Iron–porphyrins ([Formula: see text] hemes) are present throughout the biosphere and perform a wide range of functions, particularly those that involve complex multiple-electron redox processes. Some common heme enzymes involved in these processes include cytochrome P450, heme/copper oxidase or heme/non-heme diiron nitric oxide reductase. Consequently, the (hydr)oxo-bridged heme species have been studied for the important roles that they play in many life processes or for their application for catalysis and preparation of new functional materials. This review encompasses important synthetic, structural and reactivity aspects of the (hydr)oxo-bridged heme constructs that govern their function and application. The properties and reactivity of the bridging (hydr)oxo moieties are directly dictated by the coordination environment of the heme core, the nature and ligation of the second metal center attached to the (hydr)oxo group, the presence or absence of a linker, and the degree of flexibility around that linker within the scaffold. Here, we summarize the structural features of all known (hydr)oxo-bridged heme constructs and use those to categorize and thus, provide a more comprehensive picture of structure–function relationships.

An unusual donor-acceptor system MnIIPc-TCNQ/F4-TCNQ and the properties of the mixed single crystals of metal phthalocyanines with organic acceptor molecules

The interaction of manganese(ii) phthalocyanine with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane and its perfluoro derivative proceeds with the oxidation of Mn and the reduction of the acceptor molecules to give the first mixed single crystals of manganese(iii) phthalocyanine with TCNQ/F4-TCNQ radical anions. The crystals have unusual structures with C-Hπ interactions between the ions and their orthogonal arrangement, as well as remarkable redox properties. The charge transfer was proved by spectroscopic and magnetic studies.

A μ-Phosphido Diiron Dumbbell in Multiple Oxidation States

The reaction of the ferrous complex [LFe(NCMe)₂ ](OTf)₂ (1), which contains a macrocyclic tetracarbene as ligand (L), with Na(OCP) generates the OCP^- -ligated complex [LFe(PCO)(CO)]OTf (2) together with the dinuclear μ-phosphido complex [(LFe)₂ P](OTf)₃ (3), which features an unprecedented linear Fe-(μ-P)-Fe motif and a "naked" P-atom bridge that appears at δ=+1480 ppm in the ³¹ P NMR spectrum. 3 exhibits rich redox chemistry, and both the singly and doubly oxidized species 4 and 5 could be isolated and fully characterized. X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic studies, in combination with DFT computations provide a comprehensive electronic structure description and show that the Fe-(μ-P)-Fe core is highly covalent and structurally invariant over the series of oxidation states that are formally described as ranging from Fe^III Fe^III to Fe^IV Fe^IV . 3-5 now add a higher homologue set of complexes to the many systems with Fe-(μ-O)-Fe and Fe-(μ-N)-Fe core structures that are prominent in bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis.