Efficient aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons promoted by high-spin nonheme Fe(II) complexes without any reductant

Redox inactive metal ion triggered N-dealkylation by an iron catalyst with dioxygen activation: a lesson from lipoxygenases

Utilization of dioxygen as the terminal oxidant at ambient temperature is always a challenge in redox chemistry, because it is hard to oxidize a stable redox metal ion like iron(III) to its high oxidation state to initialize the catalytic cycle. Inspired by the dioxygenation and co-oxidase activity of lipoxygenases, herein, we introduce an alternative protocol to activate the sluggish iron(III) species with non-redox metal ions, which can promote its oxidizing power to facilitate substrate oxidation with dioxygen, thus initializing the catalytic cycle. In oxidations of N,N-dimethylaniline and its analogues, adding Zn(OTf)2 to the [Fe(TPA)Cl2]Cl catalyst can trigger the amine oxidation with dioxygen, whereas [Fe(TPA)Cl2]Cl alone is very sluggish. In stoichiometric oxidations, it has also been confirmed that the presence of Zn(OTf)2 can apparently improve the electron transfer capability of the [Fe(TPA)Cl2]Cl complex. Experiments using different types of substrates as trapping reagents disclosed that the iron(IV) species does not occur in the catalytic cycle, suggesting that oxidation of amines is initialized by electron transfer rather than hydrogen abstraction. Combined experiments from UV-Vis, high resolution mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, EPR and oxidation kinetics support that the improved electron transfer ability of iron(III) species originates from its interaction with added Lewis acids like Zn(2+) through a plausible chloride or OTf(-) bridge, which has promoted the redox potential of iron(III) species. The amine oxidation mechanism was also discussed based on the available data, which resembles the co-oxidase activity of lipoxygenases in oxidative dealkylation of xenobiotic metabolisms where an external electron donor is not essential for dioxygen activation.

A pair of highly biotolerated diamagnetic and paramagnetic iron(ii) complexes displaying electroneutrality

A pair of structurally analogous macrocyclic iron(ii) complexes with a magnetic off-on relationship is reported that exhibit electroneutrality at neutral pH and high stability in physiological media.

Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts for Oxidation Reactions

Oxidation reactions may be considered as the heart of chemical synthesis. However, the indiscriminate uses of harsh and corrosive chemicals in this endeavor are threating to the ecosystems, public health, and terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial flora and fauna. Heterogeneous catalysts with various supports are brought to the spotlight because of their excellent capabilities to accelerate the rate of chemical reactions with low cost. They also minimize the use of chemicals in industries and thus are friendly and green to the environment. However, heterogeneous oxidation catalysis are not comprehensively presented in literature. In this short review, we clearly depicted the current state of catalytic oxidation reactions in chemical industries with specific emphasis on heterogeneous catalysts. We outlined here both the synthesis and applications of important oxidation catalysts. We believe it would serve as a reference guide for the selection of oxidation catalysts for both industries and academics.