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

Abstract

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. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.