Catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane by a binuclear Fe(III) complex biomimetic to methane monooxygenase.

A novel binuclear Fe(III) complex [Fe(III)(BPMP)Cl(mu-O)Fe(III)Cl3] (1) was prepared from the reaction between (bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-piperazine) and [Fe(OH2)6]Cl3, in acetonitrile. The title compound was characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical and X-ray crystallography analysis. The catalytic activity of the complex was evaluated through cyclohexane oxidation, using hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant.