From DNA to catalysis: a thymine-acetate ligated non-heme iron(III) catalyst for oxidative activation of aliphatic C-H bonds

Chem Commun (Camb). 2016 Feb 4;52(10):2043-6. doi: 10.1039/c5cc07597a.

Abstract

A non-heme, iron(III)/THA(thymine-1-acetate) catalyst together with H2O2 as an oxidant is efficient in oxidative C-H activation of alkanes. Although having a higher preference for tertiary C-H bonds, the catalyst also oxidizes aliphatic secondary C-H bonds into carbonyl compounds with good to excellent conversions. Based on the site selectivity of the catalyst and our mechanistic studies the reaction proceeds via an Fe-oxo species without long lived carbon centered radicals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / chemistry*
  • Alkanes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Heme / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Thymine / chemistry*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Alkanes
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Heme
  • DNA
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Thymine