Ligand topology effects on olefin oxidations by bio-inspired [FeII(N2Py2)] catalysts.

Linear tetradentate N2Py2 ligands can coordinate to an octahedral FeII center in three possible topologies (cis-alpha, cis-beta, and trans). While for the N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminoethane (bpmen) complex, only the cis-alpha topology has been observed, for N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (bpmcn) both cis-alpha and cis-beta isomers have been reported. To date, no facile interconversion between cis-alpha and cis-beta topologies has been observed for ironII complexes even at high temperatures. However, this work provides evidence for facile interconversion in solution of cis-alpha, cis-beta, and trans topologies for [Fe(bpmpn)X2] (bpmpn=N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane; X=triflate, CH3CN) complexes. As reported previously, the catalytic behavior of cis-alpha and cis-beta isomers of [Fe(bpmcn)(OTf)2] with respect to olefin oxidation depends dramatically on the geometry adopted by the iron complex. To establish a general pattern of the catalysis/topology dependence, this work presents an extended comparison of the catalytic behavior for oxidation of olefins of a family of [Fe(N2py2)] complexes that present different topologies. 18O labeling experiments provide evidence for a complex mechanistic landscape in which several pathways should be considered. Complexes with a trans topology catalyze only non-water-assisted epoxidation. In contrast, complexes with a cis-alpha topology, such as [Fe(bpmen)X2] and [Fe(alpha-bpmcn)(OTf)2], can catalyze both epoxidation and cis-dihydroxylation through a water-assisted mechanism. Surprisingly, [Fe(bpmpn)X2] and [Fe(beta-bpmcn)(OTf)2] catalyze epoxidation via a water-assisted pathway and cis-dihydroxylation via a non-water-assisted mechanism, a result that requires two independent and distinct oxidants.