μ-Nitrido diiron octaethylporphyrin complex: synthesis and properties

Abstract

μ-nitrido diiron porphyrin complex ( OEPFe )2 N (OEP = octaethylporphyrinato dianion) was synthesized by the treatment of ( OEPFe ) Cl with hydrazoic acid followed by the thermal decomposition of formed ( OEPFe ) N 3 complex. The ( OEPFe )2 N complex was investigated by UV-vis, IR, HR ESI-TOF MS and EPR spectroscopic methods. EXAFS study indicated a very short Fe – Fe distance of 3.30 Å in this dimer compared with 3.48 Å distance between iron sites in the related μ-nitrido diiron complex on the tetraphenylporphyrin platform. This difference can be explained by the steric hindrance exerted by phenyl substituents in the latter. The spectral properties of the ( OEPFe )2 N complex are discussed. The catalytic properties of ( OEPFe )2 N were evaluated in the oxidation of cyclohexene and cyclohexane.