10.1021/acs.organomet.7b00603
The study investigates the impact of ligands on the reactivity of iron complexes in the reductive radical cyclization of unsaturated organic halides. It focuses on the role of ligands in the structure and reactivity of active anionic iron(I) hydride and borohydride species. The researchers synthesized an iron(II) borohydride complex, [(η1-H3BH)FeCl(NCCH3)4], and compared its catalytic properties with those of the iron(II) hydride complex, [HFeCl(dppe)2]. The study found that the ligand environment significantly influences the catalyst's ability to activate substrates, with the borohydride complex being more effective in activating both iodo- and bromoacetals compared to the hydride complex. The research provides new insights into the design of radical mediators, emphasizing the importance of ligand tailoring on the metal center for successful catalysis.