Hydrogen Peroxide and Metalloporphyrins in Oxidation Catalysis: Old Dogs with Some New Tricks

The utilization of metalloporphyrin analogues as biomimetic oxidation catalysts is an evolutionary topic of research. Current environmental concerns have directed research in this field for the design, synthesis and application of heterogeneous catalysts, as well as avoiding the use of highly pollutant co-oxidants and/or co-catalysts. Herein, we review the last decade concerning the sole use of environmentally benign oxidant source hydrogen peroxide, in oxidation reactions catalyzed by metalloporphyrin analogues, both in homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. We did not intend to create a comprehensive review; instead we highlight the most important and illustrative examples for this period. We emphasize the application of such catalysts on the oxidation reactions of many relevant substrates using heterogeneous metalloporphyrin based catalysts, specially using inorganic supports for more accessible reutilization protocols.