[Fe(IV)═O(TBC)(CH3CN)]2+: comparative reactivity of iron(IV)-oxo species with constrained equatorial cyclam ligation

A density functional theory analysis of the C-H activation reactivity of iron(IV)-oxo complexes with an 'O' substituted tetramethylcyclam macrocycle

In this article, we present a meticulous computational study to foresee the effect of an oxygen-rich macrocycle on the reactivity for C-H activation. For this study, a widely studied nonheme Fe(IV)O molecule with a TMC (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) macrocycle that is equatorially attached to four nitrogen atoms (designated as N4) and acetonitrile as an axial ligand has been taken into account. For the goal of hetero-substitution, step-by-step replacement of the N4 framework with O atoms, i.e., N4, N3O1, N2O2, N1O3, and O4 systems, has been considered, and dihydroanthracene (DHA) has been used as the substrate. In order to neutralise the system and prevent the self-interaction error in DFT, triflate counterions have also been included in the calculations. The study of the energetics of these C-H bond activation reactions and the potential energy surfaces mapped therefore reveal that the initial hydrogen abstraction, which is the rate-determining step, follows the two-state reactivity (TSR) pattern, which means that the originally excited quintet state falls lower in the transition state and the product. The reaction follows the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism, as indicated by the spin density studies. The results revealed a fascinating reactivity order, in which the reactivity increases with the enrichment of the oxygen atom in the equatorial position, namely the order follows N4 < N3O1 < N2O2 < N1O3 < O4. The impacts of oxygen substitution on quantum mechanical tunneling and the H/D kinetic isotope effect have also been investigated. When analysing the causes of this reactivity pattern, a number of variables have been identified, including the reactant-like transition structure, spin density distribution, distortion energy, and energies of the electron acceptor orbital, i.e., the energy of the LUMO (σ*z2), which validate the obtained outcome. Our results also show very good agreement with earlier combined experimental and theoretical studies considering TMC and TMCO-type complexes. The DFT predictions reported here will undoubtedly encourage experimental research in this biomimetic field, as they provide an alternative with higher reactivity in which heteroatoms can be substituted for the traditional nitrogen atom.

The Nature of the Chemical Bonds of High-Valent Transition-Metal Oxo (M=O) and Peroxo (MOO) Compounds: A Historical Perspective of the Metal Oxyl-Radical Character by the Classical to Quantum Computations

This review article describes a historical perspective of elucidation of the nature of the chemical bonds of the high-valent transition metal oxo (M=O) and peroxo (M-O-O) compounds in chemistry and biology. The basic concepts and theoretical backgrounds of the broken-symmetry (BS) method are revisited to explain orbital symmetry conservation and orbital symmetry breaking for the theoretical characterization of four different mechanisms of chemical reactions. Beyond BS methods using the natural orbitals (UNO) of the BS solutions, such as UNO CI (CC), are also revisited for the elucidation of the scope and applicability of the BS methods. Several chemical indices have been derived as the conceptual bridges between the BS and beyond BS methods. The BS molecular orbital models have been employed to explain the metal oxyl-radical character of the M=O and M-O-O bonds, which respond to their radical reactivity. The isolobal and isospin analogy between carbonyl oxide R2C-O-O and metal peroxide LFe-O-O has been applied to understand and explain the chameleonic chemical reactivity of these compounds. The isolobal and isospin analogy among Fe=O, O=O, and O have also provided the triplet atomic oxygen (3O) model for non-heme Fe(IV)=O species with strong radical reactivity. The chameleonic reactivity of the compounds I (Cpd I) and II (Cpd II) is also explained by this analogy. The early proposals obtained by these theoretical models have been examined based on recent computational results by hybrid DFT (UHDFT), DLPNO CCSD(T0), CASPT2, and UNO CI (CC) methods and quantum computing (QC).

Comparative oxidative ability of mononuclear and dinuclear high-valent iron-oxo species towards the activation of methane: does the axial/bridge atom modulate the reactivity?

Over the years, mononuclear Fe^IVO species have been extensively studied, but the presence of dinuclear Fe^IVO species in soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) has inspired the development of biomimic models that could activate inert substrates such as methane. There are some successful attempts; particularly the [(Por)(m-CBA) Fe^IV(μ-N)Fe^IV(O)(Por˙⁺)]^- species has been reported to activate methane and yield decent catalytic turnover numbers and therefore regarded as the closest to the sMMO enzyme functional model, as no mononuclear Fe^IVO analogues could achieve this feat. In this work, we have studied a series of mono and dinuclear models using DFT and ab initio DLPNO-CCSD(T) calculations to probe the importance of nuclearity in enhancing the reactivity. We have probed the catalytic activities of four complexes: [(HO)Fe^IV(O)(Por)]^- (1), [(HO)Fe^IV(O)(Por˙⁺)] (2), μ-oxo dinuclear iron species [(Por)(m-CBA)Fe^IV(μ-O)Fe^IV(O) (Por˙⁺)]^- (3) and N-bridged dinuclear iron species [(Por)(m-CBA)Fe^IV(μ-N)Fe^IV(O)(Por˙⁺)]^- (4) towards the activation of methane. Additionally, calculations were performed on the mononuclear models [(X)Fe^IV(O)(Por˙⁺)]ⁿ {X = N 4a (n = -2), NH 4b (n = -1) and NH₂4c (n = 0)} to understand the role of nuclearity in the reactivity. DFT calculations performed on species 1-4 suggest an interesting variation among them, with species 1-3 possessing an intermediate spin (S = 1) as a ground state and species 4 possessing a high-spin (S = 2) as a ground state. Furthermore, the two Fe^IV centres in species 3 and 4 are antiferromagnetically coupled, yielding a singlet state with a distinct difference in their electronic structure. On the other hand, species 2 exhibits a ferromagnetic coupling between the Fe^IV and the Por˙⁺ moiety. Our calculations suggest that the higher barriers for the C-H bond activation of methane and the rebound step for species 1 and 3 are very high in energy, rendering them unreactive towards methane, while species 2 and 4 have lower barriers, suggesting their reactivity towards methane. Studies on the system reveal that model 4a has multiple FeN bonds facilitating greater reactivity, whereas the other two models have longer Fe-N bonds and less radical character with steeper barriers. Strong electronic cooperativity is found to be facilitated by the bridging nitride atom, and this cooperativity is suppressed by substituents such as oxygen, rendering them inactive. Thus, our study unravels that apart from enhancing the nuclearity, bridging atoms that facilitate strong cooperation between the metals are required to activate very inert substrates such as methane, and our results are broadly in agreement with earlier experimental findings.

Role of "S" Substitution on C-H Activation Reactivity of Iron(IV)-Oxo Cyclam Complexes: a Computational Investigation

A comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) investigation has been presented in this article to address the role of equatorial sulfur ligation in C-H activation. A non-heme iron-oxo compound with four nitrogen atoms constituting the equatorially connected macrocyclic framework (represented as N₄) [Fe(IV)═O(THC)(CH₃CN)]²⁺(THC = 1,4,8,11-tetrahydro1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) has been considered as the base compound. Other complexes have been anticipated by the sequential replacement of this nitrogen by sulfur, that is, N₄, N₃S₁, N₂S₂, N₁S₃, and S₄. Counterions, as always, have been considered to avoid the self-interaction error in DFT. Generally, the anti-conformers (with respect to equatorial N-H and Fe═O) turned out to be the most stable. It was found that with the enrichment of the equatorial sulfur atom, reactivity increases successively, that is, we get the trend N₄ < N₃S₁ < N₂S₂ < N₁S₃ < S_4. Our investigations have also verified the available experimental results where it has been reported that N₂S₂ is more reactive than N₄ in their mixed conformation. In search of insights into this typical pattern of reactivity, the interplay of several factors has been recognized, such as the distortion energy which decreases for the transition states with the addition of sulfur; the spin density on the oxygen atom which increases implying that the radical character of abstractor increases on sulfur ligation; the energy of the electron acceptor orbital (the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (σ_z²*)) which decreases continuously with the sulfur substitution; and the triplet-quintet oxidant energy gap which decreases consistently with S enrichment in the equatorial position. The computational predictions reported here, if further validated by experiments, will definitely encourage the synthesis of sulfur-ligated bio-inspired complexes instead of the ones constituting nitrogen exclusively.

New Strategies for Direct Methane-to-Methanol Conversion from Active Learning Exploration of 16 Million Catalysts

Despite decades of effort, no earth-abundant homogeneous catalysts have been discovered that can selectively oxidize methane to methanol. We exploit active learning to simultaneously optimize methane activation and methanol release calculated with machine learning-accelerated density functional theory in a space of 16 M candidate catalysts including novel macrocycles. By constructing macrocycles from fragments inspired by synthesized compounds, we ensure synthetic realism in our computational search. Our large-scale search reveals that low-spin Fe(II) compounds paired with strong-field (e.g., P or S-coordinating) ligands have among the best energetic tradeoffs between hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and methanol release. This observation contrasts with prior efforts that have focused on high-spin Fe(II) with weak-field ligands. By decoupling equatorial and axial ligand effects, we determine that negatively charged axial ligands are critical for more rapid release of methanol and that higher-valency metals [i.e., M(III) vs M(II)] are likely to be rate-limited by slow methanol release. With full characterization of barrier heights, we confirm that optimizing for HAT does not lead to large oxo formation barriers. Energetic span analysis reveals designs for an intermediate-spin Mn(II) catalyst and a low-spin Fe(II) catalyst that are predicted to have good turnover frequencies. Our active learning approach to optimize two distinct reaction energies with efficient global optimization is expected to be beneficial for the search of large catalyst spaces where no prior designs have been identified and where linear scaling relationships between reaction energies or barriers may be limited or unknown.

Statistical analysis of C-H activation by oxo complexes supports diverse thermodynamic control over reactivity

Transition metal oxo species are key intermediates for the activation of strong C-H bonds. As such, there has been interest in understanding which structural or electronic parameters of metal oxo complexes determine their reactivity. Factors such as ground state thermodynamics, spin state, steric environment, oxygen radical character, and asynchronicity have all been cited as key contributors, yet there is no consensus on when each of these parameters is significant or the relative magnitude of their effects. Herein, we present a thorough statistical analysis of parameters that have been proposed to influence transition metal oxo mediated C-H activation. We used density functional theory (DFT) to compute parameters for transition metal oxo complexes and analyzed their ability to explain and predict an extensive data set of experimentally determined reaction barriers. We found that, in general, only thermodynamic parameters play a statistically significant role. Notably, however, there are independent and significant contributions from the oxidation potential and basicity of the oxo complexes which suggest a more complicated thermodynamic picture than what has been shown previously.

Electrochemical C-H oxygenation and alcohol dehydrogenation involving Fe-oxo species using water as the oxygen source

High-valent iron-oxo complexes are key intermediates in C-H functionalization reactions. Herein, we report the generation of a (TAML)Fe-oxo species (TAML = tetraamido macrocyclic ligand) via electrochemical proton-coupled oxidation of the corresponding (TAML)FeIII-OH2 complex. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and spectroelectrochemical studies are used to elucidate the relevant (TAML)Fe redox processes and determine the predominant (TAML)Fe species present in solution during bulk electrolysis. Evidence for iron(iv) and iron(v) species is presented, and these species are used in the electrochemical oxygenation of benzylic C-H bonds and dehydrogenation of alcohols to ketones.

Aerobic oxygenation catalyzed by first row transition metal complexes coordinated by tetradentate mono-carbon bridged bis-phenanthroline ligands: intra- versus intermolecular carbon-hydrogen bond activation

Commonly, iron(ii) and copper(i) complexes bind dioxygen (O2) and then activate O2 through a reductive reaction pathway. There is, however, significant interest in low temperature oxygenation with O2 without the use of a sacrificial reductant. Here, earth-abundant metal complexes (FeII, CoII, NiII and CuII) coordinated by two different tetra-dentate mono-carbon bridged bis-phenanthroline ligands, (1,10-Phen)2-2,2'-CR1R2, where R1 = n-butyl and R2 = n-butyl or H were synthesized. The structures all showed the expected metal complexation in the equatorial plane by the bridged bis-phenanthroline ligands. For R1 = n-butyl; R2 = H, where the ligand has a tertiary carbon bridging group, fast intramolecular oxygenation occurred at the pseudobenzylic position. Depending on the transition metal the main products formed were oxygen bridged dimers of the metal complexes (Co and Fe) or metal complexes with a carbonyl moiety at the bridging pseudobenzylic position as a result of C-R1 bond cleavage (Ni and Cu). The different product assemblages are explained by different reaction pathways that are metal specific. For quaternary carbon bridged ligands, R1 = R2 = n-butyl, the complexes catalytically activated C-H bonds of cyclohexene under catalytic conditions, showing higher effective turnover numbers at low catalyst loading. The reactivity observed is commensurate with a room temperature autooxidation reaction although the initiation of the free radical reaction is metal specific. In general labelling studies with 18O2, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry measurements led to a conclusion that the reaction pathways involved both C-H bond activation and O2 activation.

Interplay Between Steric and Electronic Effects: A Joint Spectroscopy and Computational Study of Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes

Iron is an essential element in nonheme enzymes that plays a crucial role in many vital oxidative transformations and metabolic reactions in the human body. Many of those reactions are regio- and stereospecific and it is believed that the selectivity is guided by second-coordination sphere effects in the protein. Here, results are shown of a few engineered biomimetic ligand frameworks based on the N4Py (N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) scaffold and the second-coordination sphere effects are studied. For the first time, selective substitutions in the ligand framework have been shown to tune the catalytic properties of the iron(IV)-oxo complexes by regulating the steric and electronic factors. In particular, a better positioning of the oxidant and substrate in the rate-determining transition state lowers the reaction barriers. Therefore, an optimum balance between steric and electronic factors mediates the ideal positioning of oxidant and substrate in the rate-determining transition state that affects the reactivity of high-valent reaction intermediates.

Spectroscopic and Electronic Structure Study of ETHE1: Elucidating the Factors Influencing Sulfur Oxidation and Oxygenation in Mononuclear Nonheme Iron Enzymes

ETHE1 is a member of a growing subclass of nonheme Fe enzymes that catalyzes transformations of sulfur-containing substrates without a cofactor. ETHE1 dioxygenates glutathione persulfide (GSSH) to glutathione (GSH) and sulfite in a reaction which is similar to that of cysteine dioxygenase (CDO), but with monodentate (vs bidentate) substrate coordination and a 2-His/1-Asp (vs 3-His) ligand set. In this study, we demonstrate that GSS^- binds directly to the iron active site, causing coordination unsaturation to prime the site for O₂ activation. Nitrosyl complexes without and with GSSH were generated and spectroscopically characterized as unreactive analogues for the invoked ferric superoxide intermediate. New spectral features from persulfide binding to the Fe^III include the appearance of a low-energy Fe^III ligand field transition, an energy shift of a NO^- to Fe^III CT transition, and two new GSS^- to Fe^III CT transitions. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were used to simulate the experimental spectra to determine the persulfide orientation. Correlation of these spectral features with those of monodentate cysteine binding in isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) shows that the persulfide is a poorer donor but still results in an equivalent frontier molecular orbital for reactivity. The ETHE1 persulfide dioxygenation reaction coordinate was calculated, and while the initial steps are similar to the reaction coordinate of CDO, an additional hydrolysis step is required in ETHE1 to break the S-S bond. Unlike ETHE1 and CDO, which both oxygenate sulfur, IPNS oxidizes sulfur through an initial H atom abstraction. Thus, factors that determine oxygenase vs oxidase reactivity were evaluated. In general, sulfur oxygenation is thermodynamically favored and has a lower barrier for reactivity. However, in IPNS, second-sphere residues in the active site pocket constrain the substrate, raising the barrier for sulfur oxygenation relative to oxidation via H atom abstraction.

In situ formation of molecular Ni-Fe active sites on heteroatom-doped graphene as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst toward oxygen evolution

Molecularly well-defined Ni sites at heterogeneous interfaces were derived from the incorporation of Ni2+ ions into heteroatom-doped graphene. The molecular Ni sites on graphene were redox-active. However, they showed poor activity toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in KOH aqueous solution. We demonstrated for the first time that the presence of Fe3+ ions in the solution could bond at the vicinity of the Ni sites with a distance of 2.7 Å, generating molecularly sized and heterogeneous Ni-Fe sites anchored on doped graphene. These Ni-Fe sites exhibited markedly improved OER activity. The Pourbaix diagram confirmed the formation of the Ni-Fe sites and revealed that the Ni-Fe sites adsorbed HO- ions with a bridge geometry, which facilitated the OER electrocatalysis.

Kinetic Isotope Effect Probes the Reactive Spin State, As Well As the Geometric Feature and Constitution of the Transition State during H-Abstraction by Heme Compound II Complexes

What do experimentally measured kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) tell us about H-abstraction reactions with multispin-state reactivity options? Using DFT calculations with tunneling corrections for experimentally studied H-abstraction reactions of porphyrin-Compound II species (Chem.-Eur. J. 2014, 20, 14437; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 7321) with cyclohexane, dihydroanthracene (DHA), and xanthene (Xan), we show here that KIE is a selective probe that identifies the experimentally reactive spin state. At the same time, comparison of calculated and experimental KIE values permits us to determine the structural orientation of the transition states, as well as the presence/absence of an axial ligand, and the effect of porphyrin substituents. The studied compound II (Cpd II) species involve porphine, and porphyrin ligands with different meso-substituents, TPFPP (tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin dianion) and TMP (tetramesitylporphyrin dianion), with and without imidazole axial ligands. The DFT calculations reveal three potential pathways: quintet and triplet σ-pathways (⁵Hσ and ³Hσ) that possess linear transition state (TS) structures, and a triplet π -pathway (³Hπ) having a bent TS structure. Without an axial ligand, the ⁵Hσ pathways for these Cpd II complexes cross below the triplet states. The axial ligand raises the barriers for the quintet and triplet σ-pathways and quenches any chances for two-state reactivity, thus proceeding via the ³Hπ pathway. All of these pathways exhibit characteristic KIE values: very large for ³Hπ (48-200), small for ⁵Hσ (3-9), and intermediate for ³Hσ (23-51). The calculated KIEs for (TPFPP)Fe^IV═O without an axial ligand reveal that ³Hσ is the only pathway having a KIE that matches the experimental values, for the reactions with DHA and Xan (Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 7321). Indeed, theory shows that tunneling significantly lowers the ³Hσ barrier rendering it the sole reactive state for the reaction. A prediction is made for the reactivity and KIE of (TMP)Fe^IV═O complex, and a comparison is made with the analogous nonheme complexes.

K- and L-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) Determination of Differential Orbital Covalency (DOC) of Transition Metal Sites

Continual advancements in the development of synchrotron radiation sources have resulted in X-ray based spectroscopic techniques capable of probing the electronic and structural properties of numerous systems. This review gives an overview of the application of metal K-edge and L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), as well as K resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), to the study of electronic structure in transition metal sites with emphasis on experimentally quantifying 3d orbital covalency. The specific sensitivities of K-edge XAS, L-edge XAS, and RIXS are discussed emphasizing the complementary nature of the methods. L-edge XAS and RIXS are sensitive to mixing between 3d orbitals and ligand valence orbitals, and to the differential orbital covalency (DOC), that is, the difference in the covalencies for different symmetry sets of the d orbitals. Both L-edge XAS and RIXS are highly sensitive to and enable separation of and donor bonding and back bonding contributions to bonding. Applying ligand field multiplet simulations, including charge transfer via valence bond configuration interactions, DOC can be obtained for direct comparison with density functional theory calculations and to understand chemical trends. The application of RIXS as a probe of frontier molecular orbitals in a heme enzyme demonstrates the potential of this method for the study of metal sites in highly covalent coordination sites in bioinorganic chemistry.

The Two Faces of Tetramethylcyclam in Iron Chemistry: Distinct Fe-O-M Complexes Derived from [FeIV(Oanti/syn)(TMC)]2+ Isomers

Tetramethylcyclam (TMC, 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) exhibits two faces in supporting an oxoiron(IV) moiety, as exemplified by the prototypical [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti)(NCCH3)](OTf)2, where anti indicates that the O atom is located on the face opposite all four methyl groups, and the recently reported syn isomer [(TMC)FeIV(Osyn)(OTf)](OTf). The ability to access two isomers of [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti/syn)] raises the fundamental question of how ligand topology can affect the properties of the metal center. Previously, we have reported the formation of [(CH3CN)(TMC)FeIII-Oanti-CrIII(OTf)4(NCCH3)] (1) by inner-sphere electron transfer between Cr(OTf)2 and [(TMC)FeIV(Oanti)(NCCH3)](OTf)2. Herein we demonstrate that a new species 2 is generated from the reaction between Cr(OTf)2 and [(TMC)FeIV(Osyn)(NCCH3)](OTf)2, which is formulated as [(TMC)FeIII-Osyn-CrIII(OTf)4(NCCH3)] based on its characterization by UV-vis, resonance Raman, Mössbauer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopic methods, as well as electrospray mass spectrometry. Its pre-edge area (30 units) and Fe-O distance (1.77 Å) determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy are distinctly different from those of 1 (11-unit pre-edge area and 1.81 Å Fe-O distance) but more closely resemble the values reported for [(TMC)FeIII-Osyn-ScIII(OTf)4(NCCH3)] (3, 32-unit pre-edge area and 1.75 Å Fe-O distance). This comparison suggests that 2 has a square pyramidal iron center like 3, rather than the six-coordinate center deduced for 1. Density functional theory calculations further validate the structures for 1 and 2. The influence of the distinct TMC topologies on the coordination geometries is further confirmed by the crystal structures of [(Cl)(TMC)FeIII-Oanti-FeIIICl3] (4Cl) and [(TMC)FeIII-Osyn-FeIIICl3](OTf) (5). Complexes 1-5 thus constitute a set of complexes that shed light on ligand topology effects on the coordination chemistry of the oxoiron moiety.

Aromatic C-F Hydroxylation by Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes: Structural, Spectroscopic, and Mechanistic Investigations

The synthesis and reactivity of a series of mononuclear nonheme iron complexes that carry out intramolecular aromatic C-F hydroxylation reactions is reported. The key intermediate prior to C-F hydroxylation, [FeIV(O)(N4Py2Ar1)](BF4)2 (1-O, Ar1 = -2,6-difluorophenyl), was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure revealed a nonbonding C-H···O═Fe interaction with a CH3CN molecule. Variable-field Mössbauer spectroscopy of 1-O indicates an intermediate-spin (S = 1) ground state. The Mössbauer parameters for 1-O include an unusually small quadrupole splitting for a triplet FeIV(O) and are reproduced well by density functional theory calculations. With the aim of investigating the initial step for C-F hydroxylation, two new ligands were synthesized, N4Py2Ar2 (L2, Ar2 = -2,6-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) and N4Py2Ar3 (L3, Ar3 = -2,6-difluoro-3-methoxyphenyl), with -OMe substituents in the meta or ortho/para positions with respect to the C-F bonds. FeII complexes [Fe(N4Py2Ar2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (2) and [Fe(N4Py2Ar3)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (3) reacted with isopropyl 2-iodoxybenzoate to give the C-F hydroxylated FeIII-OAr products. The FeIV(O) intermediates 2-O and 3-O were trapped at low temperature and characterized. Complex 2-O displayed a C-F hydroxylation rate similar to that of 1-O. In contrast, the kinetics (via stopped-flow UV-vis) for complex 3-O displayed a significant rate enhancement for C-F hydroxylation. Eyring analysis revealed the activation barriers for the C-F hydroxylation reaction for the three complexes, consistent with the observed difference in reactivity. A terminal FeII(OH) complex (4) was prepared independently to investigate the possibility of a nucleophilic aromatic substitution pathway, but the stability of 4 rules out this mechanism. Taken together the data fully support an electrophilic C-F hydroxylation mechanism.

Interplay of Tunneling, Two-State Reactivity, and Bell-Evans-Polanyi Effects in C-H Activation by Nonheme Fe(IV)O Oxidants

The study of C-H bond activation reactions by nonheme Fe(IV)O species with nine hydrocarbons shows that the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) involves strong tunneling and is a signature of the reactive spin states. Theory reproduces the observed spike-like appearance of plots of KIE(exp) against the C-H bond dissociation energy, and its origins are discussed. The experimentally observed Bell-Evans-Polanyi correlations, in the presence of strong tunneling, are reproduced, and the pattern is rationalized.

Upside Down! Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Characterization of an [Fe IV(O syn)(TMC)]2+ Complex

Fe(II)(TMC)(OTf)2 reacts with 2-(t)BuSO2-C6H4IO to afford an oxoiron(IV) product, 2, distinct from the previously reported [Fe(IV)(Oanti)(TMC)(NCMe)](2+). In MeCN, 2 has a blue-shifted near-IR band, a higher ν(Fe═O), a larger Mössbauer quadrupole splitting, and quite a distinct (1)H NMR spectrum. Structural analysis of crystals grown from CH2Cl2 reveals a complex with the formulation of [Fe(IV)(Osyn)(TMC)(OTf)](OTf) and the shortest Fe(IV)═O bond [1.625(4) Å] found to date.

Mechanistic elucidation of C-H oxidation by electron rich non-heme iron(IV)-oxo at room temperature

Non-heme iron(IV)-oxo species form iron(III) intermediates during hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) from the C-H bond. While synthesizing a room temperature stable, electron rich, non-heme iron(IV)-oxo compound, we obtained iron(III)-hydroxide, iron(III)-alkoxide and hydroxylated-substrate-bound iron(II) as the detectable intermediates. The present study revealed that a radical rebound pathway was operative for benzylic C-H oxidation of ethylbenzene and cumene. A dissociative pathway for cyclohexane oxidation was established based on UV-vis and radical trap experiments. Interestingly, experimental evidence including O-18 labeling and mechanistic study suggested an electron transfer mechanism to be operative during C-H oxidation of alcohols (e.g. benzyl alcohol and cyclobutanol). The present report, therefore, unveils non-heme iron(IV)-oxo promoted substrate-dependent C-H oxidation pathways which are of synthetic as well as biological significance.

Oxoiron(IV) Complex of the Ethylene-Bridged Dialkylcyclam Ligand Me2EBC

We report herein the first example of an oxoiron(IV) complex of an ethylene-bridged dialkylcyclam ligand, [Fe(IV)(O)(Me2EBC)(NCMe)](2+) (2; Me2EBC = 4,11-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane). Complex 2 has been characterized by UV-vis, (1)H NMR, resonance Raman, Mössbauer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and its properties have been compared with those of the closely related [Fe(IV)(O)(TMC)(NCMe)](2+) (3; TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), the intensively studied prototypical oxoiron(IV) complex of the macrocyclic tetramethylcyclam ligand. Me2EBC has an N4 donor set nearly identical with that of TMC but possesses an ethylene bridge in place of the 1- and 8-methyl groups of TMC. As a consequence, Me2EBC is forced to deviate from the trans-I configuration typically found for Fe(IV)(O)(TMC) complexes and instead adopts a folded cis-V stereochemistry that requires the MeCN ligand to coordinate cis to the Fe(IV)═O unit in 2 rather than in the trans arrangement found in 3. However, switching from the trans geometry of 3 to the cis geometry of 2 did not significantly affect their ground-state electronic structures, although a decrease in ν(Fe═O) was observed for 2. Remarkably, despite having comparable Fe(IV/III) reduction potentials, 2 was found to be significantly more reactive than 3 in both oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) and hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) reactions. A careful analysis of density functional theory calculations on the HAT reactivity of 2 and 3 revealed the root cause to be the higher oxyl character of 2, leading to a stronger O---H bond specifically in the quintet transition state.

Water oxidation catalysed by iron complex of N,N'-dimethyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane. Spectroscopy of iron-oxo intermediates and density functional theory calculations

The macrocyclic [Fe^III(L1)Cl₂]⁺ (1, L1 = N,N'-dimethyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane) complex is an active catalyst for the oxidation of water to oxygen using [NH₄]₂[Ce^IV(NO₃)₆] (CAN), NaIO₄, or Oxone as the oxidant. The mechanism of 1-catalysed water oxidation was examined by spectroscopic methods and by ¹⁸O-labelling experiments, revealing that Fe^IV 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 O and/or Fe^V 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 O species are likely to be involved in the reaction. The redox behaviour of 1 and these high-valent Fe 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 O species of L1 has been examined by both cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In aqueous solutions, the cyclic voltammograms of 1 at different pH show a pH-dependent reversible couple (E_1/2 = +0.46 V vs. SCE at pH 1) and an irreversible anodic wave (E_pa = +1.18 V vs. SCE at pH 1) assigned to the Fe^III/Fe^II couple and the Fe^III to Fe^IV oxidation, respectively. DFT calculations showed that the E value of the half reaction involving [Fe^V(L1)(O)(OH)]²⁺/[Fe^IV(L1)(O)(OH₂)]²⁺ is +1.42 V vs. SCE at pH 1. Using CAN as the oxidant at pH 1, the formation of an Fe^IV 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 O reaction intermediate was suggested by ESI-MS and UV-vis absorption spectroscopic measurements, and the rate of oxygen evolution was linearly dependent on the concentrations of both 1 and CAN. Using NaIO₄ or Oxone as the oxidant at pH 1, the rate of oxygen evolution was linearly dependent on the concentration of 1, and a reactive Fe^V 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 O species with formula [Fe^V(L1)(O)₂]⁺ generated by oxidation with NaIO₄ or Oxone was suggested by ESI-MS measurements. DFT calculations revealed that [Fe^V(L1)(O)₂]⁺ is capable of oxidizing water to oxygen with a reaction barrier of 15.7 kcal mol^-1.

Excited state potential energy surfaces and their interactions in Fe(IV)=O active sites

The non-heme ferryl active sites are of significant interest for their application in biomedical and green catalysis. These sites have been shown to have an S = 1 or S = 2 ground spin state; the latter is functional in biology. Low-temperature magnetic circular dichroism (LT MCD) spectroscopy probes the nature of the excited states in these species including ligand-field (LF) states that are otherwise difficult to study by other spectroscopies. In particular, the temperature dependences of MCD features enable their unambiguous assignment and thus determination of the low-lying excited states in two prototypical S = 1 and S = 2 NHFe(IV)[double bond, length as m-dash]O complexes. Furthermore, some MCD bands exhibit vibronic structures that allow mapping of excited-state interactions and their effects on the potential energy surfaces (PESs). For the S = 2 species, there is also an unusual spectral feature in both near-infrared absorption and MCD spectra - Fano antiresonance (dip in Abs) and Fano resonance (sharp peak in MCD) that indicates the weak spin-orbit coupling of an S = 1 state with the S = 2 LF state. These experimental data are correlated with quantum-chemical calculations that are further extended to analyze the low-lying electronic states and the evolution of their multiconfigurational characters along the Fe-O PESs. These investigations show that the lowest-energy states develop oxyl Fe(III) character at distances that are relevant to the transition state (TS) for H-atom abstraction and define the frontier molecular orbitals that participate in the reactivity of S = 1 vs. S = 2 non-heme Fe(IV)[double bond, length as m-dash]O active sites. The S = 1 species has only one available channel that requires the C-H bond of a substrate to approach perpendicular to the Fe-oxo bond (the π channel). In contrast, there are three channels (one σ and two π) available for the S = 2 non-heme Fe(IV)[double bond, length as m-dash]O system allowing C-H substrate approach both along and perpendicular to the Fe-oxo bond that have important implications for enzymatic selectivity.

Water-Soluble Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes Supported by Pentapyridine Ligands: Axial Ligand Effects on Hydrogen Atom and Oxygen Atom Transfer Reactivity

We report the photochemical generation and study of a family of water-soluble iron(IV)-oxo complexes supported by pentapyridine PY5Me2-X ligands (PY5Me2 = 2,6-bis(1,1-bis(2-pyridyl)ethyl)pyridine; X = CF3, H, Me, or NMe2), in which the oxidative reactivity of these ferryl species correlates with the electronic properties of the axial pyridine ligand. Synthesis of a systematic series of [Fe(II)(L)(PY5Me2-X)](2+) complexes, where L = CH3CN or H2O, and characterizations by several methods, including X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy, show that increasing the electron-donating ability of the axial pyridine ligand tracks with less positive Fe(III)/Fe(II) reduction potentials and quadrupole splitting parameters. The Fe(II) precursors are readily oxidized to their Fe(IV)-oxo counterparts using either chemical outer-sphere oxidants such as CAN (ceric ammonium nitrate) or flash-quench photochemical oxidation with [Ru(bpy)3](2+) as a photosensitizer and K2S2O8 as a quencher. The Fe(IV)-oxo complexes are capable of oxidizing the C-H bonds of alkane (4-ethylbenzenesulfonate) and alcohol (benzyl alcohol) substrates via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and an olefin (4-styrenesulfonate) substrate by oxygen atom transfer (OAT). The [Fe(IV)(O)(PY5Me2-X)](2+) derivatives with electron-poor axial ligands show faster rates of HAT and OAT compared to their counterparts supported by electron-rich axial donors, but the magnitudes of these differences are relatively modest.

Efficient Epoxidation of Styrene Derivatives by a Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complex via Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer with Triflic Acid

Styrene derivatives are not oxidized by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) in acetonitrile at 298 K, whereas epoxidation of styrene derivatives by the iron(IV)-oxo complex occurs efficiently in the presence of triflic acid (HOTf) via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) from styrene derivatives to the diprotonated species of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) with HOTf. Logarithms of the first-order rate constants of HOTf-promoted expoxidation of styrene derivatives with [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) and PCET from electron donors to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) in the precursor complexes exhibit a remarkably unified correlation with the driving force of PCET in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer when the differences in the formation constants of precursor complexes are taken into account. The same PCET driving force dependence is obtained for the first-order rate constants of HOTf-promoted oxygen atom transfer from thioanisols to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) and HOTf-promoted hydrogen atom transfer from toluene derivatives to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) in the precursor complexes. Thus, HOTf-promoted epoxidation of styrene derivatives by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) proceeds via the rate-determining electron transfer from styrene derivatives to the diprotonated species of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+), as shown in the reactions of HOTf-promoted oxygen atom transfer from thioanisols to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) and HOTf-promoted hydrogen atom transfer from toluene derivatives to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+).

C-H Bond Cleavage by Bioinspired Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complexes, Including Hydroxylation of n-Butane

The development of efficient and selective hydrocarbon oxidation processes with low environmental impact remains a major challenge of the 21st century because of the strong and apolar nature of the C-H bond. Naturally occurring iron-containing metalloenzymes can, however, selectively functionalize strong C-H bonds on substrates under mild and environmentally benign conditions. The key oxidant in a number of these transformations is postulated to possess an S = 2 Fe(IV)═O unit in a nonheme ligand environment. This oxidant has been trapped and spectroscopically characterized and its reactivity toward C-H bonds demonstrated for several nonheme iron enzyme classes. In order to obtain insight into the structure-activity relationships of these reactive intermediates, over 60 synthetic nonheme Fe(IV)(O) complexes have been prepared in various laboratories and their reactivities investigated. This Forum Article summarizes the current status of efforts in the characterization of the C-H bond cleavage reactivity of synthetic Fe(IV)(O) complexes and provides a snapshot of the current understanding of factors that control this reactivity, such as the properties of the supporting ligands and the spin state of the iron center. In addition, new results on the oxidation of strong C-H bonds such as those of cyclohexane and n-butane by a putative S = 2 synthetic Fe(IV)(O) species that is generated in situ using dioxygen at ambient conditions are presented.

Direct observation of a nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex that mediates aromatic C-F hydroxylation

The synthesis of a pentadentate ligand with strategically designed fluorinated arene groups in the second coordination sphere of a nonheme iron center is reported. The oxidatively resistant fluorine substituents allow for the trapping and characterization of an Fe(IV)(O) complex at -20 °C. Upon warming of the Fe(IV)(O) complex, an unprecedented arene C-F hydroxylation reaction occurs. Computational studies support the finding that substrate orientation is a critical factor in the observed reactivity. This work not only gives rare direct evidence for the participation of an Fe(IV)(O) species in arene hydroxylation but also provides the first example of a high-valent iron-oxo complex that mediates aromatic C-F hydroxylation.

Factors affecting hydrogen-tunneling contribution in hydroxylation reactions promoted by oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical complexes

Hydrogen atom transfer with a tunneling effect (H-tunneling) has been proposed to be involved in aliphatic hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 and synthetic heme complexes as a result of the observation of large hydrogen/deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIEs). In the present work, we investigate the factors controlling the H-tunneling contribution to the H-transfer process in hydroxylation reaction by examining the kinetics of hydroxylation reactions at the benzylic positions of xanthene and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene by oxoiron(IV) 5,10,15,20-tetramesitylporphyrin π-cation radical complexes ((TMP(+•))Fe(IV)O(L)) under single-turnover conditions. The Arrhenius plots for these hydroxylation reactions of H-isotopomers have upwardly concave profiles. The Arrhenius plots of D-isotopomers, clear isosbestic points, and product analysis rule out the participation of thermally dependent other reaction processes in the concave profiles. These results provide evidence for the involvement of H-tunneling in the rate-limiting H-transfer process. These profiles are simulated using an equation derived from Bell's tunneling model. The temperature dependence of the KIE values (k(H)/k(D)) determined for these reactions indicates that the KIE value increases as the reaction temperature becomes lower, the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the C-H bond of a substrate becomes higher, and the reactivity of (TMP(+•))Fe(IV)O(L) decreases. In addition, we found correlation of the slope of the ln(k(H)/k(D)) - 1/T plot and the bond strengths of the Fe═O bond of (TMP(+•))Fe(IV)O(L) estimated from resonance Raman spectroscopy. These observations indicate that these factors modulate the extent of the H-tunneling contribution by modulating the ratio of the height and thickness of the reaction barrier.

Benchmark study on methanol C-H and O-H bond activation by bare [Fe(IV)O](2+)

We present a high-level computational study on methanol C-H and O-H bond cleavages by bare [Fe(IV)O](2+), as well as benchmarks of various density functional theory (DFT) methods. We considered direct and concerted hydrogen transfer (DHT and CHT) pathways, respectively. The potential energy surfaces were constructed at the CCSD(T)/def2-TZVPP//B3LYP/def2-TZVP level of theory. Mechanistically, (1) the C-H bond cleavage is dominant and the O-H activation only plays minor role on the PESs; (2) the DHT from methyl should be the most practical channel; and (3) electronic structure analysis demonstrates the proton and electron transfer coupling behavior along the reaction coordinates. The solvent effect is evident and plays distinct roles in regulating the two bond activations in different mechanisms during the catalysis. The effect of optimizing the geometries using different density functionals was also studied, showing that it is not meaningful to discuss which DFT method could give the accurate prediction of the geometries, especially for transition structures. Furthermore, the gold-standard CCSD(T) method was used to benchmark 19 different density functionals with different Hartree-Fock exchange fractions. The results revealed that (i) the structural factor plays a minor role in the single point energy (SPE) calculations; (ii) reaction energy prediction is quite challenging for DFT methods; (iii) the mean absolute deviations (MADs) reflect the problematic description of the DFs when dealing with metal oxidation state change, giving a strong correlation on the HF exchange in the DFs. Knowledge from this study should be of great value for computational chemistry, especially for the de novo design of transition metal catalysts.

Anion receptors containing coordinatively unsaturated metal ions: copper(II) complexes with cyclam derivatives

The two coordinatively unsaturated complexes [Cu(cyclam)]2+ (cyclam: 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, 1) and [Cu(Bn4cyclam)]2+ (Bn4cyclam: 1,4,8,11-tetrabenzyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, 2) in an MeCN solution uptake an anion X− (halide, pseudohalide) to give square pyramidal ternary complexes, whose stability has been determined through spectrophotometric titration experiments. The formation of a five-cordinate complex is favored by the trans-I configuration of the [Cu(Bn4cyclam)]2+ receptor, but it is contrasted by the severe steric repulsions exerted by the benzyl substituents on the macrocyclic framework. No significant repulsive effects have been observed in anion binding to the [Cu(cyclam)]2+ receptor, exhibiting a trans-III configuration. The existence of a linear relationship between the magnitude of the red shift experienced by the d−d absorption band on anion binding and log K values is discussed.

Tuning reactivity and mechanism in oxidation reactions by mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes

Mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes generate high-valent iron(IV)-oxo intermediates that effect metabolically important oxidative transformations in the catalytic cycle of dioxygen activation. In 2003, researchers first spectroscopically characterized a mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo intermediate in the reaction of taurine: α-ketogultarate dioxygenase (TauD). This nonheme iron enzyme with an iron active center was coordinated to a 2-His-1- carboxylate facial triad motif. In the same year, researchers obtained the first crystal structure of a mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex bearing a macrocyclic supporting ligand, [(TMC)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) (TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecene), in studies that mimicked the biological enzymes. With these breakthrough results, many other studies have examined mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo intermediates trapped in enzymatic reactions or synthesized in biomimetic reactions. Over the past decade, researchers in the fields of biological, bioinorganic, and oxidation chemistry have extensively investigated the structure, spectroscopy, and reactivity of nonheme iron(IV)-oxo species, leading to a wealth of information from these enzymatic and biomimetic studies. This Account summarizes the reactivity and mechanisms of synthetic mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes in oxidation reactions and examines factors that modulate their reactivities and change their reaction mechanisms. We focus on several reactions including the oxidation of organic and inorganic compounds, electron transfer, and oxygen atom exchange with water by synthetic mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes. In addition, we recently observed that the C-H bond activation by nonheme iron(IV)-oxo and other nonheme metal(IV)-oxo complexes does not follow the H-atom abstraction/oxygen-rebound mechanism, which has been well-established in heme systems. The structural and electronic effects of supporting ligands on the oxidizing power of iron(IV)-oxo complexes are significant in these reactions. However, the difference in spin states between nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes with an octahedral geometry (with an S = 1 intermediate-spin state) or a trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry (with an S = 2 high-spin state) does not lead to a significant change in reactivity in biomimetic systems. Thus, the importance of the high-spin state of iron(IV)-oxo species in nonheme iron enzymes remains unexplained. We also discuss how the axial and equatorial ligands and binding of redox-inactive metal ions and protons to the iron-oxo moiety influence the reactivities of the nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complexes. We emphasize how these changes can enhance the oxidizing power of nonheme metal(IV)-oxo complexes in oxygen atom transfer and electron-transfer reactions remarkably. This Account demonstrates great advancements in the understanding of the chemistry of mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo intermediates within the last 10 years.

Unified view of oxidative C-H bond cleavage and sulfoxidation by a nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex via Lewis acid-promoted electron transfer

Oxidative C-H bond cleavage of toluene derivatives and sulfoxidation of thioanisole derivatives by a nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex, [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) (N4Py = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine), were remarkably enhanced by the presence of triflic acid (HOTf) and Sc(OTf)3 in acetonitrile at 298 K. All the logarithms of the observed second-order rate constants of both the oxidative C-H bond cleavage and sulfoxidation reactions exhibit remarkably unified correlations with the driving forces of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and metal ion-coupled electron transfer (MCET) in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer when the differences in the formation constants of precursor complexes between PCET and MCET were taken into account, respectively. Thus, the mechanisms of both the oxidative C-H bond cleavage of toluene derivatives and sulfoxidation of thioanisole derivatives by [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) in the presence of HOTf and Sc(OTf)3 have been unified as the rate-determining electron transfer, which is coupled with binding of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) by proton (PCET) and Sc(OTf)3 (MCET). There was no deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) on the oxidative C-H bond cleavage of toluene via the PCET pathway, whereas a large KIE value was observed with Sc(OTf)3, which exhibited no acceleration of the oxidative C-H bond cleavage of toluene. When HOTf was replaced by DOTf, an inverse KIE (0.4) was observed for PCET from both toluene and [Ru(II)(bpy)3](2+) (bpy =2,2'-bipyridine) to [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+). The PCET and MCET reactivities of [(N4Py)Fe(IV)(O)](2+) with Brønsted acids and various metal triflates have also been unified as a single correlation with a quantitative measure of the Lewis acidity.

An Ultra-Stable Oxoiron(IV) Complex and Its Blue Conjugate Base

Treatment of [FeII(L)](OTf)2 (4), (where L = 1,4,8-Me3cyclam-11-CH2C(O)NMe2) with iodosylbenzene yielded the corresponding S = 1 oxoiron(IV) complex [FeIV(O(L)](OTf)2 (5) in nearly quantitative yield. The remarkably high stability of 5 (t1/2 ≈ 5 days at 25 °C) facilitated its characterization by X-ray crystallography and a raft of spectroscopic techniques. Treatment of 5 with strong base was found to generate a distinct, significantly less stable S = 1 oxoiron(IV) complex, 6 (t1/2 ~ 1.5 hrs. at 0 °C), which could be converted back to 5 by addition of a strong acid; these observations indicate that 5 and 6 represent a conjugate acid-base pair. That 6 can be formulated as [FeIV(O)(L-H)](OTf) was further supported by ESI mass spectrometry, spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, and DFT calculations. The close structural similarity of 5 and 6 provided a unique opportunity to probe the influence of the donor trans to the FeIV=O unit upon its reactivity in H-atom transfer (HAT) and O-atom transfer (OAT), and 5 was found to display greater reactivity than 6 in both OAT and HAT. While the greater OAT reactivity of 5 is expected on the basis of its higher redox potential, its higher HAT reactivity does not follow the anti-electrophilic trend reported for a series of [FeIV(O)(TMC)(X)] complexes (TMC = tetramethylcyclam) and thus appears to be inconsistent with the Two-State Reactivity rationale that is the prevailing explanation for the relative facility of oxoiron(IV) complexes to undergo HAT.

Dramatically accelerated selective oxygen-atom transfer by a nonheme iron(IV)-oxo complex: tuning of the first and second coordination spheres

The new ligand N3Py^amideSR and its Fe^II complex [Fe^II(N3Py^amideSR)](BF₄)₂ (1) are described. Reaction of 1 with PhIO at −40 °C gives metastable [Fe^IV(O)(N3Py^amideSR)]²⁺ (2), containing a sulfide ligand and a single amide H-bond donor in proximity to the terminal oxo group. Direct evidence for H-bonding is seen in a structural analogue, [Fe^II(Cl)(N3Py^amideSR)](BF₄)₂ (3). Complex 2 exhibits rapid O-atom transfer (OAT) toward external sulfide substrates, but no intramolecular OAT. However, direct S-oxygenation does occur in the reaction of 1 with mCPBA, yielding sulfoxide-ligated [Fe^II(N3Py^amideS(O)R)](BF₄)₂ (4). Catalytic OAT with 1 was also observed.