Aromatic Hydroxylation by H2O2 and O2 Catalyzed by a μ‐Oxo Diiron( III ) Complex

An excellent functionalized enzyme model for the active site of methane monooxygenase and ribonucleotide reductase is represented by the μ-ace-tato- and μ-oxo-bridged diiron complex 1. Reaction with H2O2 or O2 in the presence of ascorbate leads to hydroxylation of one phenyl ring to a phenol. This then coordindates to the metal center with formation of a mononuclear complex.