Catalytic oxidative cleavage of catechol by a non-heme iron(iii) complex as a green route to dimethyl adipate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/c3cc42423e

The catalyst system prepared in situ from iron(iii) salts, tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and a base readily catalyses the intradiol dioxygenation of pyrocatechol in methanol, to primarily afford the half-methyl ester of muconic acid. Dimethyl adipate is obtained by the subsequent, one-step catalytic hydrogenation/esterification, thus providing a green route to this important nylon precursor.