The reaction of iron(III) complex of N,N'-ethylene-bis-salicylamide dianion
(SALM), [Fe(SALM) (OH2)(2)](+), with S-IV results in the formation of the m
onosulphito complex, [Fe(SALM)(OH2)(SO3)](-) in two isomeric forms (cis and
trans) with pK =5.2 +/- 0.1 (for the aqua ligand) and the aqua-sulphito/hy
droxo-sulphito complexes undergo internal electron transfer, Fe-III <-- S-I
V , demonstrating the stereochemical control on the redox activity.