Synthesis, characterization, and activation of thermally stable μ-1,2-peroxodiiron(III) complex

A thermally stable (mu -acetato)(mu -oxo)(mu -1,2-peroxo)-diiron(III) complex [Fe-2(O-2)(O)(OAc)(L)](CF3SO3) {L: 1,2-bis [2-(bis(2-pyridyl)methyl)-6-pyridyl] ethane} has been isolated, characterized, and activated. [Fe-2-O(O-2)(O)(OAc)(L)](CF3SO3) in MeCN is thermally stable; the half-life time tau (1/2) = 7.7 h at 300 K. [Fe-2-(O-2)(O)(OAc)(L)](CF3SO3) is activated upon addition of RCOCl (R = m-ClC6H4, CH3, and CCl3) in the presence of DMF to oxygenate cyclohexane and cyclohexene to the corresponding alcohols and ketones.