cis-Dihydroxylation of olefins by a non-heme iron catalyst: A functional model for Rieske dioxygenases

The first iron complex capable of olefin cis-dihydroxylation in combination with H₂O₂ provides a functional model for Rieske dioxygenases. Mechanistic studies on the model reaction suggest the participation of an Fe(III)(η²-OOH) intermediate, with the oxygen atoms coming exclusively from H₂O₂ (see reaction scheme; L denotes a tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand, Solv = solvent). The similarities between the model and the enzymes strengthen the proposal that an Fe(III)- peroxo intermediate is involved in the enzymatic reactions.