Iron Coordination Chemistry with New Ligands Containing Triazole and Pyridine Moieties. Comparison of the Coordination Ability of the N-Donors

Electrochemical approach of the reductive activation of O2 by a nonheme FeII complex. Some clues for the development of catalytic oxidations

We report an in-depth study of the reductive activation of O2 by the nonheme [FeII(L25)(MeCN)]2+ complex carried out by cyclic voltammetry. Experimental evidence is obtained for the slow coordination of dioxygen to the ferrous center yielding an FeII/O2 adduct with a strong FeII-O2 character rather than an FeIII-superoxo one. Electron injection in the FeII-O2 species occurs at a potential of ca. -700 mV vs. SCE, i.e. 200 mV above the O2 to O2˙- reduction, leading to the formation of a FeIII-peroxo intermediate and then FeIII-hydroperoxo upon protonation by residual water. The experimental CVs recorded at variable scan rate or variable FeII concentration are well simulated taking into account a detailed mechanism initiated by the competitive reduction of O2 and the FeII-O2 adduct. Analysis of the concentration of the reaction intermediates generated as a function of the applied potential indicates that the FeIII-peroxo intermediate significantly accumulates at a potential of -650 mV. Oxidative bromination of anisole is assayed under electrolytic conditions at this potential to yield bromoanisole products. The low faradaic yields observed reveal that deleterious reactions such as direct reduction of reaction intermediates likely occur. Based on the detailed mechanism elucidated, a number of improvements to achieve more efficient catalytic reactions can be proposed.

Catalytic oxidation properties of an acid-resistant cross-bridged cyclen Fe(II) complex. Influence of the rigid donor backbone and protonation on the reactivity

The catalytic properties of an iron complex bearing a pentadentate cross-bridged ligand backbone are reported. With H₂O₂ as an oxidant, it displays moderate conversions in epoxidation and alkane hydroxylation and satisfactory ones in aromatic hydroxylation. Upon addition of an acid to the reaction medium, a significant enhancement in aromatic and alkene oxidation is observed. Spectroscopic analyses showed that accumulation of the expected Fe^III(OOH) intermediate is limited under these conditions, unless an acid is added to the mixture. This is ascribed to the inertness induced by the cross-bridged ligand backbone, which is partly reduced under acidic conditions.

Heterolytic O-O Bond Cleavage Upon Single Electron Transfer to a Nonheme Fe(III)-OOH Complex

The one-electron reduction of the nonheme iron(III)-hydroperoxo complex, [FeIII (OOH)(L5 2 )]2+ (L5 2 =N-methyl-N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), carried out at -70 °C results in the release of dioxygen and in the formation of [FeII (OH)(L5 2 )]+ following a bimolecular process. This reaction can be performed either with cobaltocene as chemical reductant, or electrochemically. These experimental observations are consistent with the disproportionation of the hydroperoxo group in the putative FeII (OOH) intermediate generated upon reduction of the FeIII (OOH) starting complex. One plausible mechanistic scenario is that this disproportionation reaction follows an O-O heterolytic cleavage pathway via a FeIV -oxo species.

Fluorinated Click-Derived Tripodal Ligands Drive Spin Crossover in both Iron(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes

Control of the spin state of metal complexes is important because it leads to a precise control over the physical properties and the chemical reactivity of the metal complexes. Currently,...

Spin-state control of cobalt(II) and iron(II) complexes with click-derived tripodal ligands through non-covalent and fluorine-specific interactions

The fine-tuning of intermolecular or intramolecular non-covalent interactions (NCIs) and thus the precise synthesis of metal complexes in which the spin states can be controlled by NCIs remains challenging, even though several such complexes have been intensively studied. In this regard, we present mononuclear cobalt(II) and iron(II) complexes with "click"-derived tripodal ligands that contain fluorinated benzyl substituents in the secondary coordination sphere. The complexes were co-crystallized with different solvent molecules to decipher the effect of the crystallized solvents on NCIs, and on the spin state of the metal ion. Additionally, the fluorine-specific interactions in the secondary coordination sphere were examined. We present a first structure-property correlation between the nature of interaction of the (per)fluorinated aromatic substituents on the ligand periphery, and the spin state of the metal complexes. In particular, the TF₅TA containing ligand show interesting stacking motifs depending on the used solvent, and these interactions have an influence on the spin state of the cobalt(II) complexes. Furthermore, the iron(II) complex thereof, Fe(TF₅TA)₂(BF₄)₂·2EtOH displays spin crossover (SCO).

Second-sphere effects on H2O2 activation by non-heme FeII complexes: role of a phenol group in the [H2O2]-dependent accumulation of FeIVO vs. FeIIIOOH

Redox metalloenzymes achieve very selective oxidation reactions under mild conditions using O2 or H2O2 as oxidants and release harmless side-products like water. Their oxidation selectivity is intrinsically linked to the control of the oxidizing species generated during the catalytic cycle. To do so, a second coordination sphere is used in order to create a pull effect during the activation of O2 or H2O2, thus ensuring a heterolytic O-O bond cleavage. Herein, we report the synthesis and study of a new non-heme FeII complex bearing a pentaazadentate first coordination sphere and a pendant phenol group. Its reaction with H2O2 generates the classical FeIIIOOH species at high H2O2 loading. But at low H2O2 concentrations, an FeIVO species is generated instead. The formation of the latter is directly related to the presence of the 2nd sphere phenol group. Kinetic, variable temperature and labelling studies support the involvement of the attached phenol as a second coordination sphere moiety (weak acid) during H2O2 activation. Our results suggest a direct FeII → FeIVO conversion directed by the 2nd sphere phenol via the protonation of the distal O atom of the FeII/H2O2 adduct leading to a heterolytic O-O bond cleavage.

FeIII and FeII Phosphasalen Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application for 2-Naphthol Oxidative Coupling

We report on the synthesis and characterization of three iron(III) phosphasalen complexes, [Fe^III (Psalen)(X)] differing in the nature of the counter-anion/exogenous ligand (X^- =Cl^- , NO₃ ^- , OTf^- ), as well as the neutral iron(II) analogue, [Fe^II (Psalen)]. Phosphasalen (Psalen) differs from salen by the presence of iminophosphorane (P=N) functions in place of the imines. All the complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis, EPR, and cyclic voltammetry. The [Fe^II (Psalen)] complex was shown to remain tetracoordinated even in coordinating solvent but surprisingly exhibits a magnetic moment in line with a Fe^II high-spin ground state. For the Fe^III complexes, the higher lability of triflate anion compared to nitrate was demonstrated. As they exhibit lower reduction potentials compared to their salen analogues, these complexes were tested for the coupling of 2-naphthol using O₂ from air as oxidant. In order to shed light on this reaction, the interaction between 2-naphthol and the Fe^III (Psalen) complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry as well as UV/Vis spectroscopy.

Selective Formation of an FeIV O or an FeIII OOH Intermediate From Iron(II) and H2 O2 : Controlled Heterolytic versus Homolytic Oxygen-Oxygen Bond Cleavage by the Second Coordination Sphere

We demonstrate that the devised incorporation of an alkylamine group into the second coordination sphere of an Fe^II complex allows to switch its reactivity with H₂ O₂ from the usual formation of Fe^III species towards the selective generation of an Fe^IV -oxo intermediate. The Fe^IV -oxo species was characterized by UV/Vis absorption and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Variable-temperature kinetic analyses point towards a mechanism in which the heterolytic cleavage of the O-O bond is triggered by a proton transfer from the proximal to the distal oxygen atom in the Fe^II -H₂ O₂ complex with the assistance of the pendant amine. DFT studies reveal that this heterolytic cleavage is actually initiated by an homolytic O-O cleavage immediately followed by a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) that leads to the formation of the Fe^IV -oxo and release of water through a concerted mechanism.

Novel rGO-T-C(n) Nanosheets developed via click chemistry as a lubricant anti-wear additive

Process equipment and facilities are constantly facing the dilemmas of tear and wear. This manuscript introducing functionalized reduced graphene oxide with triazole moiety via click chemistry as a anti-wear additive. While this has been achieved successfully, full characterization of the new anti-wear additive material revealed it to be promising in ameliorating issues of wears. One of the merits of the synthesized material includes reduction of contact asperity as the lipophilic alkyl chain length increases. It has been tested to be functional when formulated as an additive in group III petroleum base oil. Accordingly, it shows an irregularity in renewable base oil. Following screening evaluations of the lipophilic alkyl chain lengths, the additive with twelve carbon atoms; functionalized reduced graphene oxide, rGO-T-C(12) was confirmed to stand out among others with the good reduction of friction coefficient and the least wear scar diameter of ~539.78 µm, compared to the base oil containing no additive.

Mimicking the Regulation Step of Fe-Monooxygenases: Allosteric Modulation of FeIV -Oxo Formation by Guest Binding in a Dinuclear ZnII -FeII Calix[6]arene-Based Funnel Complex

A heteroditopic ligand associated with a calix[6]arene scaffold bearing a tris(imidazole) coordinating site at its small rim and an amine/pyridine ligand at its large rim has been prepared, and its regioselective coordination to Zn^II at the small rim and Fe^II in the amine/pyridine ligand has been achieved. The heterodinuclear complex obtained displays an overall cone conformation capped by the tris(imidazole)Zn^II moiety and bears a non-heme Fe^II complex at its base. Each of the metal centers exhibits one labile position, allowing the coordination inside the cavity of a guest alkylamine at Zn^II and the generation of reaction intermediates (Fe^III (OOH) and Fe^IV O) at the large rim. A dependence between the chain length of the encapsulated alkylamine and the distribution of Fe^III (OOH) intermediates and Fe^III (OMe) is observed. In addition, it is shown that the generation of the Fe^IV O intermediate is enhanced by addition of the alkylamine guest. Hence, this supramolecular system gathers the three levels of reactivity control encountered in oxidoreductases: i) control of the Fe^II redox properties through its first coordination sphere, allowing us to generate high valent reactive species; ii) control of guest binding through a hydrophobic funnel that drives its alkyl chain next to the reactive iron complex, thus mimicking the binding pocket of natural systems; iii) guest-modulated reactivity of the Fe^II center towards oxidants.

Self-assembled monolayer formation of a (N5)Fe(ii) complex on gold electrodes: electrochemical properties and coordination chemistry on a surface

A coordinatively unsaturated Fe^II complex bearing a pentadentate ligand (N,N',N'-tris(2-pyridyl-methyl)-1,2-diaminoethane) functionalized with a cyclic disulfide group has been prepared in order to graft reactive metal entities as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold electrodes. Prior to grafting, exogenous ligand exchange has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in solution, showing that the nature of the first coordination sphere (N₅)Fe^II-X (X = Cl^-, OTf^-, MeCN, acetone) can be tuned, thanks to the control of the chemical conditions. The Fe^II complex has been immobilized on gold electrodes by spontaneous (passive) adsorption as well as by an electro-assisted method. The resulting SAMs were characterised by XPS and AFM analyses. CV experiments implementing these SAMs as working electrodes showed that the first coordination sphere of the grafted Fe^II complex can be controlled by adjusting the chemical conditions, similarly to the studies in a homogeneous solution. Finally, the supported Fe^II complex proved to be reactive with superoxide generated at the electrode surface by reduction of dissolved dioxygen. Under the employed conditions, leaking of the metal complex was not observed.

Successive light-induced two electron transfers in a Ru-Fe supramolecular assembly: from Ru-Fe(ii)-OH2 to Ru-Fe(iv)-oxo

In the present work we describe the synthesis and study of a Ru^II-Fe^II chromophore-catalyst assembly designed to perform the light-induced activation of an iron bound water molecule and subsequent photo-driven oxidation of a substrate. Using a series of spectroscopic techniques, we demonstrate that excitation of the chromophore unit with 450 nm light, in the presence of a sacrificial electron acceptor, triggers a cascade of electron transfers leading to the formation of a high valent iron(iv)-oxo center from an iron(ii)-bound water molecule. The activity of this catalytic center is illustrated by the oxidation of triphenyl phosphine.

Molecular iron complexes as catalysts for selective C–H bond oxygenation reactions

This feature article summarises recent developments in homogeneous C–H bond oxygenation catalysed by molecular iron complexes.

Electrochemical study of a nonheme Fe(ii) complex in the presence of dioxygen. Insights into the reductive activation of O2 at Fe(ii) centers

Recent efforts to model the reactivity of iron oxygenases have led to the generation of nonheme FeIII(OOH) and FeIV(O) intermediates from FeII complexes and O2 but using different cofactors. This diversity emphasizes the rich chemistry of nonheme Fe(ii) complexes with dioxygen. We report an original mechanistic study of the reaction of [(TPEN)FeII]2+ with O2 carried out by cyclic voltammetry. From this FeII precursor, reaction intermediates such as [(TPEN)FeIV(O)]2+, [(TPEN)FeIII(OOH)]2+ and [(TPEN)FeIII(OO)]+ have been chemically generated in high yield, and characterized electrochemically. These electrochemical data have been used to analyse and perform simulation of the cyclic voltammograms of [(TPEN)FeII]2+ in the presence of O2. Thus, several important mechanistic informations on this reaction have been obtained. An unfavourable chemical equilibrium between O2 and the FeII complex occurs that leads to the FeIII-peroxo complex upon reduction, similarly to heme enzymes such as P450. However, unlike in heme systems, further reduction of this latter intermediate does not result in O-O bond cleavage.

Ruthenium complexes of tripodal ligands with pyridine and triazole arms: subtle tuning of thermal, electrochemical, and photochemical reactivity

Electrochemical and photochemical bond-activation steps are important for a variety of chemical transformations. We present here four new complexes, [Ru(L(n) )(dmso)(Cl)]PF6 (1-4), where L(n) is a tripodal amine ligand with 4-n pyridylmethyl arms and n-1 triazolylmethyl arms. Structural comparisons show that the triazoles bind closer to the Ru center than the pyridines. For L(2) , two isomers (with respect to the position of the triazole arm, equatorial or axial), trans-2sym and trans-2un , could be separated and compared. The increase in the number of the triazole arms in the ligand has almost no effect on the Ru(II) /Ru(III) oxidation potentials, but it increases the stability of the RuSdmso bond. Hence, the oxidation waves become more reversible from trans-1 to trans-4, and whereas the dmso ligand readily dissociates from trans-1 upon heating or irradiation with UV light, the RuS bond of trans-4 remains perfectly stable under the same conditions. The strength of the RuS bond is not only influenced by the number of triazole arms but also by their position, as evidenced by the difference in redox behavior and reactivity of the two isomers, trans-2sym and trans-2un . A mechanistic picture for the electrochemical, thermal, and photochemical bond activation is discussed with data from NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and spectroelectrochemistry.

Iron(iii) complexes of multidentate pyridinyl ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalysis of the direct hydroxylation of benzene

Correlation between the electrochemistry and catalytic performance of multidentate pyridinyl iron complexes in the hydroxylation of benzene suggests that more electron-donating ligands are beneficial for catalysis.

Copper(ii) complexes supported by click generated mixed NN, NO, and NS 1,2,3-triazole based ligands and their catalytic activity in azide–alkyne cycloaddition

Four copper complexes supported by mixed NO, NN and NS-1,2,3-triazoles are reported. Their catalytic activity in the CuAAC process is demonstrated.

Confinement of a bioinspired nonheme Fe(II) complex in 2D hexagonal mesoporous silica with metal site isolation

A mixed amine pyridine polydentate Fe(II) complex was covalently tethered in hexagonal mesoporous silica of the MCM-41 type. Metal site isolation was generated using adsorbed tetramethylammonium cations acting as a patterned silanol protecting mask and trimethylsilylazane as a capping agent. Then, the amine/pyridine ligand bearing a tethering triethoxysilane group was either grafted to such a pretreated silica surface prior to or after complexation to Fe(II). These two synthetic routes, denoted as two-step and one-step, respectively, were also applied to fumed silica for comparison, except that the silanol groups were capped after tethering the metal unit. The coordination of the targeted complex was monitored using UV-visible spectrophotometry and, according to XPS, the best control was achieved inside the channels of the mesoporous silica for the two-step route. For the solid prepared according to the one-step route, tethering of the complex occurred mainly at the entrance of the channel.