Iron-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds under bromide-synergized mild conditions

An efficient oxidation and functionalization of C-H bonds with an inorganic-ligand supported iron catalyst and hydrogen peroxide to prepare the corresponding ketones was achieved using the bromide ion as a promoter. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicated that the bromide ion can bind to FeMo6 to form a supramolecular species (FeMo6 center dot 2Br), which can effectively catalyze the reaction.