Iron-Catalyzed C-H Bond Activation

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Organometallic Chemistry

Background:

• Catalytic C-H bond activation has evolved from an elusive concept to a standard synthetic tool since the 1990s.
• Ruthenium and precious metals have been traditionally used, but interest is shifting towards abundant and non-toxic metals like iron.
• Iron catalysis for C-H activation is a rapidly expanding research field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of stoichiometric C-H activation and catalytic C-H functionalization.
• To focus on reactions involving reactive organoiron intermediates, excluding Lewis acid or radical initiator roles for iron.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of iron-mediated and iron-catalyzed C-H activation up to October 2016.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of reactions by the type of C-H bond cleaved.
• Classification based on the type of bond subsequently formed.
• Inclusion of reactions involving both simple substrates and those with directing groups.

Main Results:

• Summarizes the progression from stoichiometric C-H activation to catalytic C-H functionalization.
• Details reactions proceeding through reactive organoiron intermediates.
• Covers a broad range of C-H activation reactions mediated or catalyzed by iron.

Conclusions:

• Iron catalysis represents a significant and growing area in C-H activation chemistry.
• The review consolidates knowledge on iron-mediated C-H activation, emphasizing organoiron intermediates.
• Provides a valuable resource for understanding the scope and development of iron-catalyzed C-H functionalization.