Synthesis, structure and characterization of new complexes [Fe2(μ-OMe)2(PAP)(X)4] (PAP= 1,4-di(2′-pyridyl)aminophthalazine, X=Cl, OAc) and their oxidation catalysis

Two dinuclear iron(III) complexes with tetradentate N-donor ligand 1,4-di(2′-pyridyl)aminophthalazine (PAP), [Fe2(μ-OMe)2(PAP)Cl4] (2) and [Fe2(μ-OMe)2(PAP)(OAc)4] (3) were prepared and characterized. Single crystal X-ray molecular structure of [Fe2(μ-OMe)2(PAP)Cl4] · 2MeOH have been elucidated. The six-coordinate iron atoms are in distorted octahedral environment bridged by the oxygen atoms of two methoxy groups and the PAP ligand. The Mössbauer spectra of both complexes show one quadrupole doublet and the isomer shift and quadrupole splitting values indicate the presence of octahedral high-spin FeIII ions. Complex 2 showed catalytic activity for alkane oxidation with hydrogen peroxide.