Synthesis and structure of a new iron(III) complex with a doubly positively charged ligand. Oxidative study of the related catecholato adduct

A neu ferric complex, [(bispic(PA)(2)en)Fe(III)Cl-2].[PF6](3) (bispic(PA)(2 )en = N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N'-bis(5-trimethylammoniumpentyl)-1,2-dia minoethane) has been synthesized, and its structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The cation adopts a cis-alpha-dichloro confguration with the six-coordinated iron(III) in a pseudo octahedral geometry. Its rel ative catecholato adduct [(bispic(PA)(2)en)Fe(III)(DBC)].[PF6 ](3) has been synthesized and found to be active toward oxidation of catechol by O-2 to afford intradiol cleavage products. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All righ ts reserved.