Synthesis, crystal structures and catalytic abilities of new macrocyclic bis-pyridineamido MnIII and FeIII complexes

A new macrocyclic ligand H2L (H2L = 1,2-[bis(6′-pyridine-2′-carboxamido)-ethane]benzene) has been designed and synthesized by condensation of pyridine-carboxylic acid and diamine. Its Mn(III) and Fe(III) complexes, [Mn(L)Cl (DMF)] and [Fe(L)Cl], were prepared and respectively characterized by IR, UV–Vis, ESI-Mass, elemental analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The catalytic abilities of them were examined, and up to 95% yield was achieved in epoxidation of styrene. The preliminary investigation of catalytic mechanism by manganese complex was carried out, suggesting the involvement of Mn(V) oxo species during catalysis.