Bioinspired Nonheme Iron Complexes Derived from an Extended Series of N,N,O-Ligated BAIP Ligands

Abstract

A series of mononuclear Fe(II) triflate complexes based on the 3,3-bis(1-alkylimidazole-2-yl)propionate ester (BAIP) ligand scaffold are reported. Variation of the steric and electronic properties of the BAIP ligand, a mimic of the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad found in mononuclear-nonheme iron enzmyes, provided insight into its coordination flexibility and structural demands as a facial ligand. The Fe(II) complexes were investigated as catalysts in the epoxidation/dihydroxylation of olefins.