Metalloporphyrins: Bioinspired Oxidation Catalysts

The utilization of metalloporphyrins as bioinspired oxidation catalysts is an evolving topic of research. By understanding the cytochrome P-450 mechanism of action, chemists have been able to successfully mimic several types of oxidation reactions using metalloporphyrins as catalysts. At first, homogeneous systems presented the most amenable strategy for oxidizing a vast array of substrates; however, current environmental concerns have directed research in this field to the design, synthesis, and application of heterogeneous catalysts, as well as avoiding the use of highly pollutant co-oxidants and/or co-catalysts. Herein, we review the past decade (from 2008) concerning the use of solely molecular oxygen as an environmentally benign oxidant source, in oxidation reactions catalyzed by bioinspired metalloporphyrin analogues. We did not intend to create a comprehensive review; instead we highlight the most important and illustrative examples for this period. We emphasize the application of such catalysts on the oxidation reactions of many relevant substrates using homogeneous and heterogeneous metalloporphyrin-based catalysts, mostly using inorganic supports for more accessible re-utilization protocols.