A dinuclear iron complex with a single oxo bridge as an efficient water-oxidizing catalyst in the presence of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate: new findings and current controversies

Abstract

In this paper a dinuclear Fe complex, [tpa(H₂O)FeOFe(H₂O)tpa](ClO₄)₄ (tpa: tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) is reported as an efficient catalyst for water oxidation in the presence of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate. The turnover frequency of this dimer is 6 times greater than the turnover frequency reported for the [Fe(OTf or Cl)₂(tpa)] complex (OTf: trifluoromethanesulfonate). The role of FeO₄²⁻ ions in the water oxidation reaction is also discussed.