Intermediate formation of a σ-alkyl iron(III) complex in the reduction of 4-nitrobenzyl chloride catalysed by iron(II)-prophyrins

Abstract

Formation of the σ-alkyl Fe^III(TPP)(CH₂C₆H₄NO₂-4) complex (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin) during reduction of 4-nitrobenzyl chloride (1) by sodium ascorbate catalysed by Fe(TPP)(Cl) was detected by visible spectroscopy, and its invollement as an intermediate intne reduction of (1) to 4-nitrotoluene was deduced from a study of the characteristics of this reaction.