An iron(II) complex with a N3S2 thioether ligand in the generation of an iron(IV)-oxo complex and its reactivity in olefin epoxidation

A new iron(II) complex bearing an N3S2 thioether ligand was synthesized and characterized with various spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. A mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo intermediate was generated in the reaction of the iron(II) complex with various terminal oxidants. The iron(IV)-oxo species show a capability of epoxidizing olefins, and the olefin epoxidation occurs via an electrophilic oxidation mechanism.

Graphical abstractAn iron(II) complex bearing an N3S2 thioether ligand was synthesized and used in the generation of a mononuclear nonheme iron(IV)-oxo intermediate. The iron(IV)-oxo species show a capability of epoxidizing olefins, and the olefin epoxidation occurs via an electrophilic oxidation mechanism.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide