Catalytic O2 activation with synthetic models of α-ketoglutarate dependent oxygenases

An iron complex bearing the facially capping tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand mimics structural and functional features of alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) dependent enzymes, and engages in enzyme-like catalytic O-2 activation coupled to alpha-ketoacid decarboxylation, oxygenating sulfides. This system constitutes a rare case of non-enzymatic catalytic O-2 activation, cycling between Fe-II and Fe-IV(O).