A versatile bioinspired iron-based catalyst for the C–H bond and alcohol oxidations

In this study, we developed a highly efficient and versatile non-heme iron complex containing a proline-based mono(phenol)amine ligand (L^Pro), which was successfully immobilized within the nanospaces of SBA-15, creating a reusable biomimetic catalyst inspired by Cytochrome P450. The synthesized compounds were thoroughly characterized using a range of physicochemical techniques, including TEM, XPS, FT-IR, N₂ adsorption-desorption, TGA, ICP, SEM-EDX, and CHN analysis. The bio-inspired iron catalyst was evaluated for its effectiveness in oxidizing C-H bonds and converting alcohols into high-value compounds through environmentally benign procedures. Notably, the catalyst exhibited remarkable efficacy and selectivity in the oxidation of various benzylic substrates under mild conditions, utilizing a TBHP/O₂ oxidant system to yield ketones or carboxylic acids. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated exceptional activity in the direct oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids under ambient conditions. Importantly, the catalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and retained nearly all of its initial activity and structural integrity even after four consecutive cycles of reuse.