Excited-state hydrogen detachment from a tris-(o-phenylenediamine) iron(ii) complex in THF at room temperature

Abstract

We previously reported that a tris-(o-phenylenediamine) iron(II) complex promotes photochemical H₂ generation and C–H carboxylation of o-phenylenediamine without any additives under N₂ and CO₂ atmospheres, respectively, in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. Herein, the key mechanistic process, namely, excited-state hydrogen detachment from the o-phenylendiamine moiety, is demonstrated under an N₂ atmosphere.