Direct catalytic benzene hydroxylation under mild reaction conditions by using a monocationic μ-nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer with 16 peripheral methyl groups

Direct catalytic hydroxylation of benzene under mild reaction conditions proceeded efficiently in the presence of a monocationic mu-nitrido-bridged iron phthalocyanine dimer with 16 peripheral methyl groups in an acetonitrile solution with excess H2O2. Mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction was catalyzed by a high-valent iron-oxo species generated in situ. Moreover, the peripheral methyl groups of the catalyst were presumed to have enhanced the production rate of the iron-oxo species.

Automated summary

The study found that a specific iron phthalocyanine dimer catalyst can efficiently facilitate the hydroxylation of benzene under mild conditions in an acetonitrile solution with excess H2O2 present. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction was catalyzed by a high-valent iron-oxo species generated in situ, and the peripheral methyl groups of the catalyst may enhance the production rate of the iron-oxo species.