Synthesis and Reactivity of Iron(II) Complexes with a New Tripodal Imine Ligand

Abstract

A new tripodal imine ligand tris(2-(propan-2-ylideneamino)ethyl)amine (imine3tren) was prepared in order to stabilize high valent iron-oxido complexes. Iron complexes were synthesized in template reactions from iron(II) salts, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) and acetone. Due to the reversibility of the imine formation, complexes with different ligands were obtained depending on the reaction conditions. Three complexes, [Fe(imine3tren)(OAc)2] (1), [Fe(imine3tren)(OAc)]OTf (2) and [(imine3tren)2Fe2(F)2](SbF6)2 (3), could be synthesized and structurally characterized. However, reactions with hydrogen peroxide, iodosobenzene or ozone did not lead to any kind of “oxygen adduct” complex that could be spectroscopically observed.